The Detroit Lions are getting some much-needed help at linebacker, and it’s coming just in time.
On Tuesday afternoon, Detroit officiallyactivated Malcolm Rodriguez from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, clearing the 26-year-old to play this Sunday when the Lions host the New York Giants at Ford Field.
It’s a big moment for Rodriguez, who hasn’t played a snap since tearing his ACL last Thanksgiving against the Chicago Bears. The injury wiped out the remainder of his 2024 season and forced him to spend the first half of 2025 rehabbing on the sideline.
Most people expected Detroit would activate him before the matchup with the Eagles last week, especially with the Lions dealing with injuries at multiple levels of the defense.
Now, he’s officially back in the mix.
What this means
Rodriguez brings speed, instincts, and one of the highest motors on the roster. Even if he’s not thrown into a full workload right away, his return adds depth, flexibility, and special-teams value… and honestly, the Lions need every healthy body they can get.
Detroit can now choose how quickly to ramp him up, but at least the door is open, and that alone is a win.
Rodriguez is back. And the Lions get a little stronger heading into Week 12.
The Detroit Lions are hoping to get healthier on defense, and Dan Campbelldelivered one of his more encouraging injury updates in weeks. With the New York Giants coming to town for Week 12, Detroit appears to finally be getting some reinforcements.
D.J. Reed Trending Toward Playing This Week
Campbell opened by highlighting cornerback D.J. Reed, who has been fighting through a hamstring injury.
“D.J. Reed looks pretty positive,” Campbell said. “We’re gonna get him a week of work here and see where he’s at.”
Reed returning would be massive. Before going down, he was one of the Lions’ most reliable defensive backs, and Detroit’s secondary has missed his physical style and experience.
Malcolm Rodriguez Making Real Progress
Campbell also sounded upbeat when discussing linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, who’s worked tirelessly to get back on the field.
“Rodrigo is looking better, he’s getting better every day,” Campbell said, noting that Reed and Rodriguez are “the top of that list” of players most likely to return this week.
Rodriguez’s speed and physicality would be a big boost for the second level of Detroit’s defense.
Other Defensive Names on the Mend
Campbell didn’t stop there. He noted a handful of other defenders trending in the right direction:
“Marcus Davenport’s getting better.”
“Probably going to start Khalil Dorsey’s clock this week.”
“Josh Paschal was getting better. We’re kind of getting in a good place here.”
Even with several players still on injured reserve, the overall health arrow for this defense is finally pointing upward.
What About Kerby Joseph?
One of Detroit’s most important playmakers, Kerby Joseph, is improving, but Campbell isn’t yet ready to say he’ll be available for Week 12.
“He’s getting better, Campbell said. “I don’t know if I see him in this week, but he is getting better.”
Joseph returning at some point soon feels realistic, but the Lions clearly aren’t going to rush him.
The Lions will host the 2-9 New York Giants at Ford Field next week, and any combination of returning defenders would be a welcome lift for a team hungry to get back in the win column. Detroit’s defense has held strong despite injuries, and now it appears reinforcements may finally be coming at the perfect time.
The Detroit Lionsmade several roster designations on Saturday, officially ruling out four players ahead of Sunday night’s showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The team confirmed that Miles Frazier, Marcus Davenport, Malcolm Rodriguez, and D.J. Reed have all been downgraded to OUT for Week 11. None of them will be activated from their respective injury lists.
Detroit also updated its injury report by adding rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, who is now listed as questionable with an oblique injury.
This comes one day after the Lions ruled out Sam LaPorta, Terrion Arnold, Kerby Joseph, and Josh Paschal on Friday’s final injury report, meaning Detroit will head into Philadelphia short-handed on both sides of the ball.
With the Lions sitting at 6–3 and heading into one of the league’s toughest environments, health has quickly become one of the biggest storylines of Week 11.
Rodriguez, 26, was designated to return from injured reserve earlier this season but has yet to be activated to the 53-man roster. The Oklahoma State alum, affectionately known as “Rodrigo,” was hoping to make his season debut after weeks of progress in practice. Unfortunately, the Lions are opting for caution with the physical linebacker, who’s been sidelined since late September.
Through three NFL seasons, Rodriguez has played 43 games (24 starts) and compiled 151 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, and three sacks. His high motor and downhill tackling have made him a fan favorite in Detroit since being selected by the Lions in the 6th round (188th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.
What This Means for the Lions’ Defense
With Rodriguez ruled out, Detroit will continue relying on Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, and Derrick Barnes to handle the majority of the linebacker duties. Depth linebacker Grant Stuard, who’s listed as questionable with a foot injury, could see additional snaps if healthy.
Head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard have praised Rodriguez in the past for his football IQ and leadership. His eventual return would give the defense an emotional and physical boost as the Lions enter a critical midseason stretch.
Looking Ahead
While there’s optimism that Rodriguez could return later in November, the Lions’ medical staff appears focused on long-term health rather than rushing him back. Detroit’s defense, which has battled inconsistency in recent weeks, will have to find answers without one of its spark plugs.
As the Lions (5–3) aim to keep pace in the NFC playoff race, they’ll face a Commanders team looking to play spoiler, and they’ll do it without one of their most reliable defenders in Malcolm Rodriguez.
The Detroit Lions have officially released their final injury report ahead of Sunday’s NFC North showdown with the Minnesota Vikings, and a few key names will be missing in action.
As head coach Dan Campbell hinted earlier this week, safetyKerby Joseph(knee) has been ruled out. He’ll be joined on the sidelines by running back Craig Reynolds (hamstring) and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (knee), both of whom were unable to practice this week.
That’s a tough blow for Detroit’s defense and backfield depth, but there’s at least some encouraging news elsewhere.
Four players have been listed as questionable, Taylor Decker (shoulder/rest), Avonte Maddox (hamstring), Sione Vaki (groin), and Daniel Thomas (forearm). Decker’s designation suggests the team is being cautious with its veteran tackle as the Lions prepare for a physical divisional matchup.
Bottom Line
The good news? The rest of Detroit’s starters are ready to roll as the team looks to stay atop the NFC North.
Kickoff between the Lions (6-2) and Vikings (3-5) is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Ford Field.
The Detroit Lions are getting a familiar face back on defense. According to Jordan Schultz, the team is officially designating linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez to return from injured reserve. The fan-favorite linebacker, affectionately known as “Rodrigo,” will begin practicing this week.
Rodrigo’s Comeback Underway
Rodriguez has been working his way back from a torn ACL suffered late last season, an injury that cut short what had been a promising campaign. Now healthy, he’s poised to rejoin Kelvin Sheppard’s defense, where his energy, toughness, and downhill pursuit could give the Lions another spark in the second half of the season.
This is especially significant for a defense that has faced multiple injuries across the linebacker and secondary units in recent weeks. With Jack Campbell leading the charge and Sheppard dialing up aggressive fronts, adding Rodriguez back into the mix could help restore the unit’s balance.
Why It Matters
Before his injury, Rodriguez carved out a strong reputation for his instincts, hustle, and physicality, traits that made him a breakout rookie under Dan Campbell’s staff in 2022. Now entering his third season, he’ll have a chance to reclaim a key rotational role alongside Alex Anzalone and Campbell.
Given his leadership and special teams value, Rodriguez’s return is a welcomed boost for a Lions team with championship aspirations.
The Bottom Line
Malcolm Rodriguez is back, and the timing couldn’t be better. If he can stay healthy and regain form, his return could strengthen a Detroit defense that thrives on grit, communication, and heart, three qualities Rodrigo has never lacked.
When the Detroit Lions return from their bye next week, they’re poised to have a familiar face back at practice: linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. He’s fresh off major rehab following a torn ACL, and according to head coach Dan Campbell, the plan is for Rodriguez to start practicing “shortly after the bye.”
Rodriguez put it plainly: “No frustration, just excited to get back out there.” He said, as quoted by the Detroit Free Press. “It’s one of those things, it’s very new for me to be in this position. Never been hurt before so kind of just learning as I go.”
His journey has included a second surgery to clean out scar tissue and extensive rehab. “Getting that flexion and that range of motion back (wasn’t easy), but obviously there was a reason for that frustration ’cause I had a little scar tissue in there and that was kind of being stubborn.” With progress reported, the Lions are now prepping for his next step: full-speed football.
Why His Return Could Matter More Than Just One Player
The Lions’ linebacker unit hasn’t missed a beat despite Rodriguez’s absence. With Jack Campbell (64 tackles, three sacks), Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes anchoring things, Detroit has built depth. But adding Rodriguez back unlocks a new layer of flexibility.
Consider this: the Lions currently rank around 21.6 points allowed per game, top 12 in the NFL, and allow roughly 300 opponent yards per game, placing them in the top 10. Rodriguez’s return isn’t just about getting a key player back, it’s about reinforcing a defense that’s already performing at a high level.
What “Thrown into the Fire” Might Actually Look Like
Rodriguez didn’t mince words: “I’m ready for it… one of those things where I want to get thrown into the fire and see what it does. I don’t want to just ease into it, I kind of want to go full force.”
But recovering from a torn ACL is more than guts; it’s timing and readiness. The Lions are cautious. Linebackers coach Shaun Dion Hamilton, who has personal experience with major injury recovery, said he’s been showing Rodriguez film: “…to build his own confidence in his self to know that, ‘Oh, I am that player, I still am that guy.’”
What to expect:
Practice following the bye week
Gradual ramp-up: Rodriguez will likely start in special teams and rotational defense
Full game-action once he regains confidence and conditioning
The real wild card: how quickly he regains full trust from coaches and teammates. One snap too soon can set back the comeback timeline.
The Bigger Picture for the Lions and What’s Next
For the Lions, every advantage counts. Offensively they’re averaging around 30.7 points per game and 357.3 yards per game. With the defense already holding its own, adding a fully healthy Rodriguez enhances their margin for error.
Here’s what his return could unlock:
Linebacker flexibility: More options for blitzes, coverages, and fresh rotational legs
Run-defense boost: Rodriguez’s strength in gap-control and downhill play adds another layer
Roster strategy relief: With other defenders banged up, his return eases stress on the front seven
With the bye out of the way, Detroit hosts the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9. That game could mark the turning point, getting Rodriguez back means more than one player, it means the team getting another full-tilt weapon for a playoff push.
The Detroit Lions are preparing for a crucial NFC North showdown with the Green Bay Packers this weekend, but they may have to do so without two key defenders. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, defensive lineman Josh Paschal and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez were both absent from Wednesday’s practice. Head coach Dan Campbell indicated that Paschal’s availability for the weekend remains “TBD.”
Josh Paschal and Malcolm Rodriguez not practicing for the Lions today. Paschal “TBD” for the weekend, Dan Campbell said.
Paschal and Rodriguez have both been key contributors to the Lions’ defense this season. Paschal’s versatility on the line has helped fill gaps left by recent injuries, while Rodriguez has been a reliable presence in the linebacker corps. With the Packers also dealing with injuries to key players, including quarterback Jordan Love, both teams will be looking to get healthy as they head into this important divisional matchup.
The Lions, currently holding a strong position in the NFC North, are aiming to extend their lead over the Packers. However, with Paschal and Rodriguez’s statuses in question, the team’s defensive depth will be tested. Detroit’s defense will need all hands on deck to contain the Packers’ offense, and the potential absence of these two defenders could shift some responsibilities to other members of the roster.
