Injury report: Alex Anzalone doubtful to play vs. Saints

Checking in on the Detroit Lions’ Week 13 injury designations, ahead of their game against the New Orleans Saints.

The Detroit Lions (8-3) and New Orleans Saints (5-6) have declared their injury designations ahead of their Week 13 matchup. The Lions are a pretty healthy team at this point in the season, and while they appear on track to return one starter, another is likely to miss this Sunday’s game.

Ruled OUT

• QB Hendon Hooker (ACL) evaluation clock: 18 days remaining

An “out” designation is an indication that the Lions do not plan on activating Hooker from the non-football injury (NFI) list ahead of this weekend’s game. The evaluation clock continues to run and Hooker can resume scheduled practices next week.

Doubtful

• LB Alex Anzalone (hand)

Anzalone has been unable to practice all week, and while a doubtful designation leaves the door open to him returning to play, that margin is very slim. Because the Lions are on the road this week, there’s a good chance Anzalone will be evaluated on Saturday, and at that time, his status could be updated.

Questionable

• OL Jonah Jackson (ankle/wrist)

Jackson returned to the field in a limited fashion on Wednesday but was upgraded to full practices the rest of the week. While full practices are strong indicators that he will have a chance to return to game action this weekend, his ability to rejoin the starters will come down to his ability to contribute.

“It’s all functionality, just being able to use it and feel like you can produce,” coach Dan Cambell said about Jackson’s injury on Friday.

Not listed with an injury designation

• C Frank Ragnow (back/toe/rest)
• RB David Montgomery (foot)
• S Tracy Walker (shoulder)
• S Ifeatu Melifonwu (hand)

Ragnow returned to a full practice Friday after taking a predetermined rest day on Thursday, and with no injury designation, he’s good to go.

Montgomery and Walker were banged up in the Lions last game, but after being limited on Wednesday, they practiced in full the rest of the week and should be ready to start against the Saints.

Melifonwu has been playing with a club on his hand, and while it won’t keep him from being available for this Sunday’s game, it’s also worth noting that he has only played on special teams since he injured his hand.

Saints injury designations

Note: all players listed are projected starters, save Kendre Miller

Ruled OUT

• RB Kendre Miller (ankle)
• WR Rashid Shaheed (thigh)
• LB Pete Werner (shoulder/oblique)
• S Marcus Maye (shoulder)

Questionable

• WR Chris Olave (concussion protocol) – Still has one more step to clear
• C Erik McCoy (shoulder)
• EDGE Cam Jordan (ankle) – giving more time to recover, despite not practicing all week
• K Blake Grupe (right groin)

Not listed with an injury designation

• LT Andrus Peat (shoulder)
• RT Ryan Ramczyk (knee, vet rest)