The Detroit Lions are dealing with another injury problem as Alex Anzalone is expected to miss six to eight weeks with a broken forearm.

With Anzalone out, the one lions they will be without their primary tackle and much of their defensive operation. He was the defensive tackle and captain. Because of this injury, the Lions have now lost four members of their starting defense from Week 1 to significant injuries.

As a result, the Lions will need to add depth to a group that has dealt with injuries all year. Derrick Barnes has been out since Week 3 with a knee injury, Malcolm Rodriguez he’s missed two games, Jalen Reeves-Maybin is on injured reserve, and now Anzalone has suffered a significant injury.

If lions opt to look inside for replacements, it could mean more snaps for Rodriguez, Trevor Nowaske, Ben Niemann and newly signed Ezekiel Turner. Abraham Beauplan and Mitchell Agude are both options in the training squad.

However, the team could also look elsewhere to add depth. Here are three outside candidates they could look to for help and production going forward.

David Long Jr.

The Miami Dolphins have chosen to part ways with Long earlier this season, a decision that came as a surprise.

While the exodus was amazing given the timing, there was evidence that he struggled throughout the year. He had a Pro Football Focus overall defensive grade of 37.0 and a run defense grade of 41.2. According to PFF, Long was marked with 14 missed tackles in six games played.

Long However, he could make a major impact for a team, as his veteran experience could come in handy during the final set of games in the regular season.

“David Long Jr.’s fall from grace in Miami was stunning, considering he played every brain on defense (barring injuries) until he was demoted and benched in favor of Anthony Walker Jr.” OnSI dolphins editor Alain Poupart he explained, when asked about his potential fit in Detroit. “Long has been a team captain and will bring a physical presence to any team that signs him.”

Long would provide a proven and experienced veteran presence in the middle of Detroit defense. However, he will need to show an increase in production after struggling mightily with the Dolphins.

Malik Jefferson

Jefferson was one of several backers lions brought into training camp after the position group was hit by a wave of injuries. However, Jefferson fell victim to the same error and was eventually released with an injury settlement later in the preseason.

With the way it works, lions would be free to sign Jefferson starting three weeks after the injury deal expires. The details of the terms of his release were not specified, so it is unclear whether Jefferson would be eligible to sign with the Lions.

The Texas product posted on his social media last week that he had been cleared, indicating he could be looking for an opportunity. Given his familiarity with the organization after spending time here in training camp, he would be a natural fit given his previous understanding of the system.

Kwon Alexander

Alexandru is a veteran linebacker with ties to Campbell and Glenn who spent the second half of the 2020 season with the New Orleans Saints in both coaches’ final year with the organization.

Calful Alexander was lifted from the practice squad for three games by the Denver Broncos, which is the maximum amount a player can have in a given year. As a result, if Broncos wish to continue using it, they will need to list it as full-time active.

However, the lions could go in and put him on the active list. With 107 career games played over 10 years, Alexander has veteran experience that would make him a capable rotation player.