The Detroit Lions dealt with a ton of injuries in 2024, losing key players for significant stretches that ultimately hurt the team and led to their divisional-round exit in the postseason against the Washington Commanders.
Among the players who suffered horrible injuries last year was linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, who tore his ACL in the Detroit's Week 13 win over the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving.
The 26-year-old had recorded 43 tackles (two for a loss), two sacks, one pass defensed and one fumble recovery in 10 games (29% of their defensive snaps) last year prior to the tear.
While the Lions should get most of those players back in time for the 2025 season opener, it seems that they'll have to wait a bit longer before seeing Rodriguez on the field.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that his conservative estimation for Rodriguez' return is November (via Detroit News' Nolan Bianchi).
Rodriguez was a huge part of Detroit's defense as a rookie, playing 54% of their snaps and finishing the year with 87 tackles and making PFWA's All-Rookie Team. However, he saw a significant dip in playing time (10.9%).
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With Ben Niemann and Jalen Reeves-Maybin hitting free agency and remaining unsigned, Rodriguez could've been on the receiving end of an uptick in responsibilities, but now, he'll start his contract year on the sidelines which will certainly impact his future earnings after the 2025 season.
Instead, Detroit will continue to ride with Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes as the starters with Ezekiel Turner, Trevor Nowaske, Anthony Pittman and the newly-signed duo of Grant Stuard and Zach Cunningham as rotational guys until Rodriguez' eventual return after the trade deadline.
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