By Blessing 
Detroit Lions Get Positive Injury Update on LB Malcolm Rodriguez
The Detroit Lions received some much-needed good news this week with an encouraging rehab update on linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. After suffering a torn ACL during the Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears, fans were understandably anxious about Rodriguez’s future for the 2025 season. However, hope was reignited on Friday when Rodriguez shared a video on social media that caught the attention of Lions fans everywhere: just over four months after the injury, he’s already sprinting.
A Promising Step Forward for Rodriguez
While it wasn’t a full-speed sprint, the fact that Rodriguez is able to move this well so early in his recovery is a huge sign of progress. For a player coming back from a serious knee injury, this early burst of speed is nothing short of remarkable.
Rodriguez has been an important piece in the Lions’ linebacker group, and after enduring several injuries to key defensive players in 2024, this update was exactly the kind of news the team and fans were hoping for. The defense struggled down the stretch, particularly after losing key figures like Rodriguez and Aidan Hutchinson.
What Lies Ahead for Rodriguez?
Looking ahead, Rodriguez is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. As it stands, he’s currently listed as the No. 4 linebacker behind Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, and Derrick Barnes, who is also recovering from a significant injury. While Rodriguez may not open the season as a starter, his versatility, motor, and contributions on special teams make him an invaluable asset. If he continues on this path of recovery, there’s every reason to believe he could work his way into a more prominent role as the season progresses.