{"id":252796,"date":"2025-11-13T12:22:52","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T17:22:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=252796"},"modified":"2025-11-13T12:22:52","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T17:22:52","slug":"popular-lions-impact-player-returning-just-in-time-malcolm-rodriguez","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/11\/13\/popular-lions-impact-player-returning-just-in-time-malcolm-rodriguez\/","title":{"rendered":"Popular Detroit Lions’ Defender Returning Just In Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

While the Detroit Lions\u2019 offensive line struggles with injuries, the defense is actually getting healthier as the season progresses. According to Dan Campbell<\/a>, the Lions will be getting back \u201csome really good impact players\u201d over the next few weeks. \u00a0<\/span>One of the players Campbell referenced is about to make his return. Two weeks ago, the Lions opened the 21-day return window for LB Malcolm Rodriguez<\/a> to begin practicing with the team.<\/p>\r\n

Popular Detroit Lions’ Impact Player Malcolm Rodriguez Returning Just In Time<\/b><\/h2>\r\n
\"Lions
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) watches practice during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Sunday, July 20, 2025.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n

Rodriguez has been physically unable to perform since November 2024 after tearing his ACL in Week 13. Before his injury, he contributed to Detroit’s 23-20 victory over the Chicago Bears,<\/a> with five tackles and a pass defense. His pending return couldn\u2019t come at a more opportune time. Detroit faces a critical stretch against the Philadelphia Eagles,<\/a> the\u00a0New York Giants<\/a>, and the Green Bay Packers<\/a>. \u00a0The latest practice report had Rodriguez logging a full practice. He should be back for the Eagles game.<\/p>\r\n

Lions’ Defender About To Make His Return\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Rodriguez played both safety and linebacker in college. His versatility was one of the key traits that attracted the Lions. Last year, Rodriguez played a role on defense and special teams. Upon his return, he will join Grant Stuard<\/a> and Trevor Nowaske in a backup LB role. However, the 26-year-old has previously demonstrated an ability to step up when needed. “Rodrigo,” as he is known to his teammates, has a great work ethic and is popular with fans and coaches alike.<\/p>\r\n

In three seasons with the Lions,<\/a> Rodriguez has a total of 152 career tackles (79 solo), 3.0 sacks, three pass defenses, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.\u00a0Before his injury last year, the former Oklahoma State Cowboy was enjoying a great season in Detroit.<\/a> Appearing in 10 games (six starts), he recorded 43 tackles (two TFLs), 2.0 sacks, and one PDF in 318 defensive snaps, earning a PFF grade of 74.4. Another 142 special teams snaps earned him a 62.6 PFF grade.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

In the meantime, Detroit’s LB room is deep enough to allow Rodriguez an opportunity to regain his strength and agility. Jack Campbell<\/a>, Alex Anzalone,<\/a>\u00a0and Derrick Barnes<\/a> make up the league\u2019s only linebacker trio, with all three men ranking among the Top 30 linebackers<\/a> in snaps played this season. No other NFL team can boast a trio of linebackers who come close to matching those numbers. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

Brad Holmes’ Draft Strategy Pays Off \u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Rodriguez showed impressive speed in the 40-yard dash, recording 4.57, and displayed superior bench pressing strength at 36 reps. However, he was downgraded for his short arms (30 1\/8), and considered undersized at 5\u201911\u201d and 232 lbs. Ranked 20th among the 2022 linebacker draft class, Rodriguez was predicted to go off the board with the 170th pick. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein summed up Rodriguez, stating his value would be a “litmus test for teams who value tape and productivity over size.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

But once again, Brad Holmes proved to be a keen judge of underrated talent and a master draft strategist. Agreeing to relinquish the Lions’ 181st pick, Holmes traded down with the Eagles in exchange for two Eagles picks. He selected Rodriguez with the 188th pick and drafted CB Chase Lucas with the second pick. Lucas is now with the San Francisco 49ers, but in trading down for Rodriguez, the Lions got a steal of a linebacker who began to pay immediate dividends.<\/p>\r\n

Rodriguez, His Rookie Year With The Lions\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Rodriguez started 15 of the 16 games he appeared in during his rookie year. He recorded 87 tackles (12 TFLs), one sack, two PDFs, and a forced fumble. Rodriguez was named to the 2022 PFWA All-Rookie Team and led the rookie class with 12 TFLs. He was one of four rookies that season with at least eight tackles, one sack, and a fumble recovery.<\/p>\r\n

In January of 2023, concluding his outstanding rookie year, Rodriguez posted on his Twitter (X) account @malcolmrod<\/a> and thanked the fans for “embracing a small-town cowboy from Oklahoma with open arms.”\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

Rookie year \ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffc
Detroit, what a ride.
Thank you for embracing a small town cowboy from Oklahoma with open arms and your support through it all. So much more in store for us!#onepride<\/a>

Until next year\u2026.\ud83d\ude08 pic.twitter.com\/jD05v6zMha<\/a><\/p>— Malcolm Rodriguez (@malcolmlrod) January 12, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>