By Sunday 
The Detroit Lions got some exciting news on Tuesday — linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez is officially back on the 53-man roster after spending months on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Rodriguez, who tore his ACL in November 2024, has been following a carefully mapped recovery plan, and it looks like patience is paying off. Head coach Dan Campbell had already hinted back in June that November was the likely return date, and now the linebacker is back in action.
“Rodrigo is looking better, he’s getting better every day,” Campbell said during his Monday press conference.
Rodriguez has been a steady presence for Detroit since being drafted in the sixth round of 2022. In his 43 games (24 starts), he racked up 43 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, and a fumble recovery last season alone.
Last week, he participated fully in all three practice sessions, signaling that he’s ready to jump back in and make an impact. Lions fans should be excited — Rodriguez isn’t just back, he’s back strong.
The defense just got a serious boost, and with Rodriguez returning, Detroit’s lineup looks more formidable than ever.