The Detroit Lions were held together by duct tape by the end of last season with 13 players finishing the year on injured reserve. The injuries were a big factor in why the Lions were upset in the divisional round of the playoffs after posting a 15-2 record in the regular season but are also the main reason why fans are optimistic heading into 2025.
The offseason has been kinder to the Lions as many of those players are returning to the field. Star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson turned heads with a video of his rehab process over the weekend but another Lions defender took a huge step of his own as he heads into an important season.
Lions LB Malcolm Rodriguez Shows Progress in Return From ACL Injury
Malcolm Rodriguez was lost for the season when he suffered a torn ACL against the Chicago Bears last Thanksgiving, but he’s already shown progress on his way back to the field. The 26-year-old showed off his latest step on social media over the weekend as he sprinted with the caption “pushing.”
It may be a simple act for a football player but key for one coming off of a major injury and entering a big season. Rodriguez was a starter for the Lions during his rookie season in 2022, collecting 87 total tackles with eight tackles for loss, two pass defenses, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a sack in 16 games. The Oklahoma State product was forced into a reserve role with Jack Campbell’s arrival in 2023 but still managed to make an impact, posting a 72.8 grade on 214 special teams snaps according to Pro Football Focus.
Rodriguez was in the midst of his best season a year ago, making 43 total tackles with two tackles for loss with a pass deflection, a fumble recovery, and two sacks in the first 10 games. But the Thanksgiving injury ended that campaign early and threw his future with the team into doubt.
The Lions signed fellow linebacker Derrick Barnes to a three-year, $24 million extension last offseason and Campbell could cash in as early as next year after two strong seasons to begin his career. Alex Anzalone will turn 31 in September and is in the final year of a three-year, $18.75 million free agent contract, but he is also a leader in the locker room who may not want to leave Detroit.
It sets up an important year for Rodriguez, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2025. While he has shown his worth, a big year could force his way into the Lions' long-term plans, turning a few small sprints into a big deal as he prepares for the upcoming season.
