Injury woes mount for Detroit as linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez and rookie defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo are sidelined for the rest of the season.

A Grim Saturday Press Conference

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell delivered difficult news during an unusual Saturday press conference. In a week that already deviated from the norm with Thanksgiving Day football, Campbell addressed the media from Allen Park with updates on a string of injuries, including two devastating season-ending losses.

Malcolm Rodriguez Out with Knee Injury

Campbell began by confirming reports that linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez will not return this season after sustaining a knee injury during Thursday’s 23-20 victory over the Chicago Bears.

“Hate it for Malcolm. He was playing so dang good for us,” Campbell lamented. “He’s been a staple for us defensively, especially with the injuries. Even before that, he was playing for us, not like he wasn’t really a spot starter anyway, and then took over that role with the injuries.”

Rodriguez’s versatility had been crucial for the Lions’ defense, particularly in a year plagued by injuries. Campbell assured fans that the linebacker is expected to recover fully in time for next season, adding, “The good news is once he has this done, he’ll be good to go next year and he’ll be healthy and ready to roll.”

Mekhi Wingo Requires Surgery

Adding to the team’s misfortune, rookie defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo will also miss the remainder of the season after a knee injury sustained against the Bears. While Wingo initially returned to the game, further evaluation revealed the need for surgery.

“Wingo is going to be out, he’ll be done for the season,” Campbell confirmed. “His [injury] will probably require surgery, so that’s another one. Hate that for him, but I think everything will be clean and he’ll be healed up for next year, and that’s good news.”

Additional Injuries Cloud Outlook

The injury report didn’t stop there. Defensive linemen Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike also suffered setbacks on Thursday. While neither has been ruled out for the next game, Campbell sounded cautious about their availability.

“Paschal, it’s hard to say. Really, he and Levi are day-to-day,” Campbell explained. “I don’t know, I’m not real optimistic about either one of them playing (against the Packers), but I guess Paschal’s got a better shot.”

Optimism for Emmanuel Moseley

Not all the news was grim. Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley, a surprising scratch on Thursday due to an issue that arose during warmups, is expected to bounce back.

“E-Man, I think he’s going to be good to go,” Campbell said. “Had a little something that flared up on him and it didn’t feel right. Just knowing what we were going to ask him to do, we didn’t want to take that risk of him trying to open up and run, but it looks like he’s going to be just fine.”

Eyes on the Packers

With the Lions set to face the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night, the loss of two key defenders only adds to the challenges ahead. Campbell’s injury updates leave Detroit fans hoping that remaining pieces of the defense can step up as the team pushes toward playoff contention