The Detroit Lions’ backup, Malcolm Rodriguez, had a solid third season, taking over as the third linebacker following the injury of Derrick Barnes. He recorded 43 tackles, two TFLs, two sacks, and one pass deflection in ten games, six starts, and 318 snaps. Rodriguez also posted two stops, three pressures, and a 93.9 pass rating in coverage perPFF.
He suffered a knee injury in Week 8 that caused him to miss Weeks 9 and 10. He returned in Week 11, but Week 13 was his last game.
Detroit Lions LB suffered a season-ending injury
Detroit Lions, malcolm Rodriguez
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) walks off the field due to an injury during the second half against Chicago Bears at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.
Malcolm Rodriguez exited the fourth quarter in Week 13 against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving with an apparent knee injury. He did not return for the remainder of the game and underwent an MRI shortly after. The Lions confirmed that Rodriguez had suffered a season-ending ACL tear, which generally takes nine to twelve months to recover from. Considering the injury occurred later in the year, he might miss a large chunk of 2025.
Also Read: Detroit Lions: Add Experienced Linebacker with 86 Career Starts
Detroit Lions LB set to miss the start of 2025
Detroit Lions, Malcolm Rodriguez
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) runs off the field after warm ups during the first quarter of the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit on Oct. 27, 2024.
The Lions will have their final spring practice on Thursday before a month-long break until training camp begins in mid-July. During Thursday’s press conference, via Adam Schefter, Dan Campbell provided an injury update on Malcolm Rodriguez. Campbell shared that Rodriguez will miss the start of 2025 and will likely not be ready until November, indicating he will begin the year on the PUP list.
Lions HC Dan Campbell said LB Malcolm Rodriguez is not expected to return from his knee injury until November.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 5, 2025
USATSI 17125344 168400517 lowres scaled
Nov 7, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) walks off the field after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Zach Cunningham
Trevor Nowaske
Grant Stuard
Ezekiel Turner
Anthony Pittman
DaRon Gilbert
Since the defense operates as a 4-3, the Lions will likely keep 5 to 7 linebackers on their 53-man roster. The six players listed will compete for the final two to four roster spots.