By Moses Joshua 
Malcolm Rodriguez’s ACL Rehab Timeline Clouds Early Season Outlook
Unwelcome News at OTAs
As the Detroit Lions wrapped up their final organized team activities (OTAs) before the summer break, the focus briefly shifted from preparation to prognosis. The team’s defensive depth chart took a hit on Thursday when head coach Dan Campbell delivered a sobering update regarding a key piece of the Lions’ linebacker corps: Malcolm Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, who suffered a torn ACL late last season, is now expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025 campaign. Campbell didn’t sugarcoat it, noting, “Conservatively, November,” when asked about a possible return timeline. It’s a setback that casts doubt on the linebacker rotation as Detroit heads toward training camp.
Rodriguez’s Injury Leaves a Gap on Defense and Special Teams
Rodriguez was quietly putting together a solid season before his knee injury on Thanksgiving against the Chicago Bears ended his campaign in Week 13. The third-year pro had racked up 43 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, a pair of QB hits, and a pass deflection over 10 games—six of them as a starter.
Beyond the stat sheet, Rodriguez was a fixture in both defensive and special teams packages, logging nearly 50% of the team’s snaps in each phase. His presence, instincts, and versatility had made him one of the more reliable and steady contributors in Detroit’s linebacker room.
Now, with Campbell tempering expectations for Rodriguez’s return, the Lions are left evaluating how to plug the gap through the first half of the season.
Turner, Cunningham Among Those Who Could Step Up
Depth will be tested early, and the Lions are expected to lean on veterans Ezekiel Turner and Zach Cunningham while Rodriguez recovers.
Turner, re-signed to a one-year deal earlier this offseason, joined the team’s practice squad last November before quickly earning a promotion. Despite his brief stint, he made an immediate impression—registering 12 combined tackles and three QB hits in just nine games.
Cunningham, on the other hand, brings a wealth of NFL experience and appeared in seven games with the Denver Broncos last season. His track record as a physical, downhill linebacker could prove vital in early run-heavy matchups on Detroit’s schedule.
Looking Ahead: Hoping for November, Planning for September
While the Lions remain hopeful Rodriguez can return down the stretch—potentially in time for a playoff push—Dan Campbell’s conservative tone signals the team won’t rush him back. The focus now shifts to developing continuity among the available linebackers and seeing who can emerge during camp and preseason.
Malcolm Rodriguez’s grit and hustle won’t be forgotten in Detroit’s defensive huddle, but until November rolls around, the Lions must turn to their depth—and maybe a surprise name—to fill that void.