By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions are finally seeing some positive developments in their health as they approach one of the more challenging stretches of their 2025 schedule.
Terrion Arnold made a remarkable return to practice a few weeks ago, and D.J. Reed is expected to come back next month after recovering from a hamstring injury. These returns alone have given Lions fans hope for their secondary. Now, the defense is getting an even bigger boost with Malcolm Rodriguez potentially coming back into the lineup.
Rodriguez, who suffered a torn ACL late last season, is expected to be designated to return from injured reserve this week, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Schultz reported that Rodriguez is likely to be active for the Lions’ Week 11 clash against the Philadelphia Eagles. With playoff positioning on the line in the NFC, his timing couldn’t be better.
“Rodriguez was an integral part of the Lions’ defense in 2024, finishing the year with two sacks and 43 total tackles through 10 games,” Schultz added. With a linebacker group featuring Rodriguez, Jack Campbell—who leads the team with 34 solo tackles—and Alex Anzalone, Detroit’s defense suddenly looks imposing. This could spell trouble for an Eagles offense still searching for consistency.
Jalen Hurts, last year’s Super Bowl-winning quarterback, has been solid so far, boasting a QBR of 67.1 and a passer rating of 114.4. But Philadelphia ranks near the bottom in total yards per game at 304.4, including fewer than 200 passing yards per outing. Even with Saquon Barkley on the roster, their rushing attack averages just 111.6 yards per game.
Injuries could further challenge the Eagles. A.J. Brown is battling a hamstring issue, Barkley is managing a groin injury, and center Cam Jurgens is dealing with a knee problem. For once, the Lions might enter this game as the healthier team—a situation that could tip the scales in their favor against Philadelphia.