The Detroit Lions are gearing up for a significant boost to their defense with the potential return of linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. After suffering a torn ACL in November, Rodriguez has been working hard to rehab his injury and is now on the verge of returning to the field post-bye week.

Rodriguez, a sixth-round pick by the Lions in the 2022 draft, has been a fan favorite for his aggressive playing style. In his rookie season, he started 15 games and recorded 87 total tackles with eight tackles for loss and a sack. Although he slid into a reserve role after the Lions drafted Jack Campbell in 2023, Rodriguez continued to play a big role on special teams, logging an 80.5 grade on 354 snaps according to Pro Football Focus.

The Lions’ defense has been a highlight of the team this season, and Rodriguez’s return could make them even more formidable. With players like Derrick Barnes and Alex Anzalone already contributing to the team’s success, Rodriguez’s return would add depth and versatility to the linebacker position.

Rodriguez’s Potential Impact

– Defensive Boost: Rodriguez’s return would provide a significant boost to the Lions’ defense, which has been performing well this season.

– Depth and Versatility: With his aggressive playing style, Rodriguez would add depth and versatility to the linebacker position, allowing the Lions to mix and match players and create matchup problems for opponents.

– Special Teams Contribution: Rodriguez has shown his value on special teams in the past, and his return could provide an additional boost to this unit.

Current Linebacker Situation

The Lions have been dealing with injuries to their linebackers, with Alex Anzalone recently suffering a forearm injury. However, Anzalone is reportedly “really close” to returning, which would be a welcome addition to the team.

What’s Next

With the Lions on a bye week, they’ll have some time to evaluate Rodriguez’s progress and determine when he’ll be ready to return to the field. Given his importance to the team and the current state of the linebacker corps, it’s likely that Rodriguez will be eased back into action to ensure he’s fully healthy and ready to contribute.

The potential return of Malcolm Rodriguez is an exciting development for the Detroit Lions, and fans are eagerly anticipating his return to the field. With his aggressive playing style and versatility, Rodriguez has the potential to make a significant impact on the team’s defense ¹.