The Detroit Lions received an encouraging update this week as linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez continues to make impressive strides in his recovery. Rodriguez, who tore his ACL during the Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears, sparked optimism among fans on Friday by posting a video on social media showing himself sprinting—just a little over four months after the injury.
Given the severity and timing of the injury, there were concerns about his availability for the 2025 season. But this latest rehab update has provided a major boost to the Lions and their fanbase, suggesting that Rodriguez could be on track for a quicker-than-expected return.
Encouraging Signs from Rodriguez
While it wasn’t a full-speed sprint, the fact that Malcolm Rodriguez is already lightly sprinting just over four months after a major knee injury is a fantastic sign for his recovery. For a player coming off a torn ACL, this kind of progress is both rare and promising. It signals that Rodriguez is well ahead of schedule and could be on track to rejoin the Lions sooner than expected—great news for Detroit’s defense heading into the 2025 season.
Given how crucial Malcolm Rodriguez has been to the Lions’ linebacker depth, this update couldn’t have come at a better time. Injuries took a serious toll on Detroit’s defense in 2024, and their impact was especially felt in the postseason. The unit struggled mightily after losing key contributors like Rodriguez and star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, leading to a collapse that ultimately ended their playoff run.
Rodriguez’s encouraging rehab progress provides hope that the Lions’ defense can bounce back stronger in 2025. If both he and Hutchinson return healthy, Detroit’s defense could once again become a formidable force—and this time, better equipped to make a deep postseason push.
Malcolm Rodriguez enters the final year of his rookie deal in 2025, and while he’s currently listed as the No. 4 linebacker on the depth chart behind Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, and Derrick Barnes—who’s also rehabbing from a significant injury—his value to the team goes well beyond a starting label.
Rodriguez’s versatility, relentless motor, and contributions on special teams make him an integral part of the Lions’ roster. Even if he doesn’t begin the season as a starter, his steady progress and work ethic could easily earn him a larger role as the year unfolds. With Barnes recovering and the defense looking to bounce back from a tough 2024, Rodriguez could play a key role in solidifying the linebacker corps and bringing much-needed energy to the unit.
