Back on the Field After a Long Recovery
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez is officially back on the practice field, nearly a year after suffering a torn ACL on Thanksgiving last season. The former Oklahoma State standout began the 2025 regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as he worked his way back from the injury, but the Lions opened his 21-day practice window this week — signaling his return is near.
According to Jordan Schultz, Detroit expects Rodriguez to take his full window before making his 2025 season debut in Week 11 on Sunday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles. That primetime showdown could carry major implications for NFC playoff seeding come January, and getting a healthy Rodriguez back would be a major boost for a Lions defense that has already shown significant improvement this season.
From “Hard Knocks” Darling to Key Defensive Piece
Rodriguez, a sixth-round pick in 2022 out of Oklahoma State, became a fan favorite during his rookie year thanks to his relentless style of play and charismatic presence on Hard Knocks. He quickly earned a starting role as a rookie and looked like a long-term piece for Detroit’s defense before injuries slowed his progress.
A Crucial Year for Player and Team
Now entering the final year of his rookie deal, Rodriguez’s return carries added importance beyond just on-field production. With a Lions cap sheet that has grown increasingly tight thanks to extensions for key players, the team will be closely evaluating how well Rodriguez moves post-injury before deciding on a possible second contract.
Detroit had big plans for Rodriguez before the ACL tear, viewing him as a tone-setter in the middle of their defense. How they integrate him back into an increasingly deep linebacker rotation will be worth watching over the next few weeks.
What His Return Means for the Lions
If Rodriguez can return to form, his comeback could serve as both a heartwarming story and a timely reinforcement for a Lions team eyeing a deep postseason run. Whether it's him as a starter or qulaity depth, his resurgence back into the lineup will definitely help out this team. His energy and instincts were a defining part of Detroit’s defensive identity early in his career, and now he has a chance to reclaim that role at a pivotal time in the season.