By Blessing 
Lions Injury Updates: St. Brown Opens Up on Knee Surgery, Rodriguez Recovery Timeline Set
As the Detroit Lions wrapped up their offseason organized team activities (OTAs) on Thursday, a familiar face was on the field—but not in the way fans are used to seeing him. Star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was present for practices, but he hasn’t suited up. On Thursday, he finally shared why.
“I had a surgery on my knee after the season, just to clean some stuff up,” St. Brown explained. “I’ve been rehabbing that, but I should be good to go for training camp.”
St. Brown is coming off another electric season—hauling in 115 receptions for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024—so any absence from the field raises eyebrows. Fortunately, his words suggest this is more precaution than setback. The knee procedure appears to be minor, and his rehab is progressing as planned.
He’s not the only Lion being eased into the offseason. During the third OTA session last Friday, head coach Dan Campbell rattled off a list of nearly 20 players who were either limited or sitting out entirely. That list included several rookies like offensive lineman Miles Frazier, wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, and defensive lineman Tyleik Williams.
TeSlaa was seen Thursday working with trainers and even tossing a football around with St. Brown. Williams, meanwhile, was lightly involved during walk-through drills. None of the absences appear long-term—good news for a team hoping to build off last season’s momentum.
“These rookies, we’re trying to get them right,” Campbell said. “Before they get out for summer and we bring them back, we want them ready and healthy to go full speed (for) training camp.”
But not all injury updates were minor. Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, who tore his ACL during the Lions’ Thanksgiving win over the Bears, won’t be ready for the start of training camp—or even the regular season.
Campbell gave a rough estimate of when fans might expect to see him back in action.
“Conservatively, November,” the coach said. “Yeah, that’s probably the best way to say it. Probably November. Somewhere in there.”
Rodriguez, a sixth-round pick in the 2022 draft, has become a core piece of Detroit’s defense and a reliable force on special teams. Last season, before the injury, he logged 43 tackles, including two for a loss, added two sacks, and even recovered a fumble. He also contributed significantly on special teams, playing 140 snaps and earning a 62.6 grade from Pro Football Focus. Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Rodriguez is working toward a midseason comeback.
One player who’s much closer to returning is cornerback Amik Robertson. He had big plans for the 2023 postseason, especially after a standout performance against Justin Jefferson in Week 18. But those plans were derailed almost immediately in the divisional round against Washington when he suffered a broken arm on the Commanders’ second offensive snap.
“Mentally, it was devastating, man,” Robertson admitted. “I was going to show the world that I could do it again.”
Despite the frustration, Robertson found some silver linings in his recovery.
“I had my goals set for myself, but it happened. I didn’t question God. Everything happens for a reason. I’m in good spirits,” he said. “I was able to take that time off to be able to be with my kids. Instead of being active (and) playing basketball or whatever, I was able to be with my kids. I always take some positive out of it.”
Now about five months removed from the injury, Robertson is feeling confident and optimistic. He expects to be fully cleared “very, very soon” and looks to reclaim his role as the team’s nickel corner. He’ll line up alongside new addition Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed on the outside, with Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph patrolling the back end.
“Can’t wait to be out there having fun again (and) doing what I love to do,” he said with a smile.