By Sunday 
As the Lions gear up post-bye week, one of their most underrated defenders is poised to return — tougher, hungrier, and ready to make Ford Field roar again.
The Calm Before the Roar
The Detroit Lions are heading into the second half of the season with momentum — and a potential spark waiting in the wings. Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, who’s been sidelined since tearing his ACL last Thanksgiving, is closing in on a return that could quietly shift the defensive dynamic.
Head coach Dan Campbell hinted at good news ahead of the team’s Week 8 bye:
“Yeah, we’re hoping after the bye… we can start rolling him out there a little bit,” Campbell said.
After undergoing a follow-up surgery in the offseason to clear scar tissue, Rodriguez appears right on schedule for a midseason return.
“I’m Ready for It”
Rodriguez, who became a fan favorite as a rookie in 2022, isn’t looking to tiptoe back onto the field. He’s made it clear that when the whistle blows, he’s going full throttle.
“I’m ready for it,” Rodriguez told the Detroit Free Press. “It’s one of those things where I want to get thrown into the fire and see what it does. I don’t want to just ease into it, I kind of want to go full force.”
That confidence fits right into the Dan Campbell brand of Detroit grit — a team that thrives on energy, physicality, and proving doubters wrong.
A Sneaky Boost for a Surging Defense
Detroit’s linebacking corps has been one of the defense’s biggest strengths this year, with Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, and Derrick Barnes all delivering consistent play. But adding a healthy “Rodrigo” back into the mix — even as a core special teamer initially — could give the Lions’ defense fresh legs and a boost in depth for the playoff push.
As fans know, Rodriguez has a knack for making timely plays. Before his injury last season, he notched 43 tackles and two sacks in 10 games, showing the same relentless hustle that made him a rookie standout.
The Return of the Hidden Weapon
The Lions are already roaring, but when Malcolm Rodriguez finally steps back onto that field, don’t be surprised if Detroit’s defense finds an extra gear. After all, the city loves a comeback story — especially one built on hard work, patience, and heart.