Lions Get a Big Boost: Malcolm Rodriguez Makes Eye-Opening Recovery Progress
The Detroit Lions just got a shot of good news this week — and it comes in the form of a promising injury update on linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, who tore his ACL in the Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Chicago Bears, sent a wave of optimism through the fanbase after posting a video of himself lightly sprinting on social media — just a little over four months after the injury. While it wasn’t a full-speed burst, seeing Rodriguez already back on his feet and moving this well is a fantastic sign for both his recovery and the Lions’ defensive plans in 2025.
This update couldn’t come at a better time. Rodriguez was one of several key defenders sidelined late in the 2024 season, a stretch that saw Detroit’s defense unravel down the stretch and into the playoffs. His return — even in a limited capacity — could be a huge stabilizing factor as the Lions retool for another postseason push.
Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Rodriguez finds himself slotted behind Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, and Derrick Barnes on the linebacker depth chart. But with Barnes also recovering from injury, and Rodriguez’s ability to contribute on special teams and in sub-packages, there’s a strong chance he earns a more prominent role if his rehab continues to trend upward.
It’s still early, but for a team that was battered defensively last year, Rodriguez’s progress is exactly the kind of good news Detroit has been waiting for.
Lions LB Rodriguez Shares Promising Injury Update: Jogging Just Months After ACL Tear
