The Detroit Lions are set to get a major boost on defense in Week 12: Malcolm Rodriguez has been officially activated off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. This marks his return for the first time since suffering a torn ACL during the 2024 season.
Rodriguez’s return couldn’t come at a better time. With the Lions facing the New York Giants, his speed, instincts, and physicality at linebacker will add critical depth — and potentially crucial snaps — where Detroit has needed reinforcements.
But Rodriguez isn’t the only defensive name making a comeback: cornerback D.J. Reed is also trending toward returning, according to Dan Campbell, offering hope that Detroit’s secondary could be more fully loaded this Sunday.
For a Lions defense that has weathered the injury storm, this feels like a turning point. Rodriguez’s presence gives Kelvin Sheppard more flexibility, helps improve special teams, and provides a spark at the second level. Detroit’s playoff push may depend on reinforcements like this — and with Rodriguez back, they’re stronger than ever heading into a critical stretch.
Detroit Gets a Major Defensive Boost with Malcolm Rodriguez’s Week 12 Return
