Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone finally returned to training camp after missing the first chunk of practices due to a hamstring injury — and what many believe was a silent protest over his contract situation. But while he was sidelined, the competition at linebacker took on a life of its own, and one veteran in particular made the most of the unexpected opportunity.
Enter Malcolm Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, now entering his third season with the Lions, has looked sharper, faster, and more vocal than ever before during camp. With Anzalone on the sideline, Rodriguez stepped in seamlessly to help anchor the defense, showing off improved instincts, communication, and physicality — all traits that the Lions coaching staff has been pushing him to develop.
While Anzalone’s absence could have spelled trouble for Detroit’s linebacker unit early in camp, it ended up highlighting just how deep and prepared this group is. Rodriguez wasn’t the only one to benefit. Veteran Jalen Reeves-Maybin also saw an uptick in reps with the first-team defense and took full advantage, showcasing the kind of sideline-to-sideline speed and awareness that made him a special teams star.
Still, Rodriguez has clearly been the biggest beneficiary of the situation. Coaches have praised his growth, and according to several on-site reporters, he’s started to take on more of a leadership presence — calling plays, correcting alignments, and barking out assignments like a seasoned vet.
This is the kind of depth Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn have been working to build over the past few seasons: tough, versatile defenders who can step in without missing a beat. And while Anzalone is still considered the heart of the defense — especially in terms of experience and leadership — his absence may have accelerated the development of a rising core group of linebackers.
Anzalone, who voiced disappointment in his contract heading into the final year of a three-year deal, is set to make $6 million in base salary this season — a figure he reportedly believes undervalues his impact. But in the business of football, every missed rep is a chance for someone else to rise. And that’s exactly what’s happening in Allen Park.
With the Hall of Fame Game just around the corner, Rodriguez and others will get a national stage to continue proving they belong — and possibly force the coaching staff to make some tough decisions about roles and rotations going forward.
If there’s one silver lining to Anzalone’s early camp holdout, it’s that Detroit may have uncovered even more depth and leadership than expected at linebacker — and that’s a great problem to have.
Alex Anzalone’s Absence Clears Path for Rodriguez’s Breakout at Lions Camp
