By Moses Joshua 
Zach Cunningham Emerges as a Force While Lions Navigate Absence of Defensive Leader
Opportunity Knocks: Cunningham Steps Up
As the Detroit Lions kick off training camp with eyes set on a deep postseason run, one familiar face is notably missing from the action—linebacker Alex Anzalone. Whether sidelined by a lingering hamstring issue or still awaiting a contract extension, the veteran defender’s absence has left a void in Detroit’s linebacker corps.
But in the NFL, opportunity often comes in the form of adversity—and for Zach Cunningham, it’s a moment he’s not letting slip.
“Veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham continues to impress stepping in for the injured Alex Anzalone,” Lions reporter Tim Twentyman noted. “He was a tackle machine in an early 11-on-11 period focusing on the run game… He could provide some good depth at linebacker when Anzalone returns.”
A Welcome Resurgence for Cunningham
Cunningham, a seasoned NFL linebacker who joined Detroit following a brief stint with the Broncos, is proving he still has plenty left in the tank. After playing just seven games in Denver last season and registering a modest four tackles, the 29-year-old is now flashing shades of his 100-tackle seasons from earlier in his career.
His ability to diagnose plays quickly, plug run lanes, and fly to the football has caught the attention of the coaching staff and teammates alike. Head coach Dan Campbell has praised Cunningham’s athleticism throughout the first week of practice—an encouraging sign for a defense looking to maintain momentum from last year’s playoff run.
Anzalone Situation Still Unclear
Though the reasons behind Anzalone’s continued absence remain somewhat vague, all signs point to optimism on both sides. The linebacker, who has made clear his desire to “retire a Lion,” appears to be taking a measured approach—whether due to injury or contract negotiations. Detroit, meanwhile, is expected to work toward retaining the vocal leader of its defense.
Yet, in a league where depth is king and availability is crucial, Cunningham’s emergence offers valuable reassurance. If Anzalone’s absence extends longer than expected, Detroit knows it has a capable veteran ready to anchor the middle of the defense next to rising star Jack Campbell.
Strength in Depth
For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, Detroit’s ability to weather absences and maintain high-level play will be a key storyline this preseason. And while Anzalone’s leadership is certainly missed, the spotlight now belongs to Zach Cunningham—a player quietly rewriting his narrative in the Motor City.
If he continues on this trajectory, Cunningham could not only secure a rotational role but potentially cement himself as a vital piece of the Lions’ defensive puzzle—regardless of how the Anzalone situation plays out.