One of the most exciting rookies during Detroit Lions' minicamp and the early portion of training camp is nearing a return.
Speaking on the X's and BrO's podcast on Tuesday, fourth-round rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder shared an update on his hamstring injury, saying, "Leg’s getting better. We’re definitely making some strides."
As for when he could return to practice, the former Michigan Wolverine strikes an optimistic tone, saying, "Hopefully I’ll be back out there in a week. Week or so. We’ll see." Rolder didn't clarify what capacity he expects to be "out there" for, but his comments affirm that things are trending in a positive direction in his recovery.
Getting Rolder back in a "week or so" would be a huge win for the Lions, given the initial hamstring prognosis was much more severe, with talks of him missing a "significant amount of time." Earlier this month, head coach Dan Campbell had to reassure the media that Rolder's injury wasn't "a season-ender."
Rolder's comments doesn't necessarily indicate that anything has change with his timeline. In his early-month update, Campbell spoke of how "unfortunate" it was for rookies like Rolder and EDGE Derrick Moore to miss time, adding that these training camp reps are "valuable."
The Lions could decide to ease Rolder back in to make up for that lost time and to ensure his hamstring injury won't quickly be reaggravated. So we could still be waiting until October for his NFL debut, but this latest update is nothing if not encouraging and builds up hope for an even faster return.
Rolder's return could shake up the LB competition
Rolder's impending return should put the non-Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes LBs on notice. He's been one of the biggest highlights of the offseason programs, with a superb minicamp showing, even in his presumed weak point in pass defense.
In the latest Lions' depth chart, Rolder is in the far back of the LB room. Injuries aren't taken much into factor, given that Cade Mays is listed as the starter at center, despite the fact he'll miss a chunk of the regular season. At the same time, Rolder has missed "valuable" time, so it makes sense he has a bit of an uphill climb.
If Rolder is near as impactful in his return as he has been so far, that uphill climb could be a fast one as the LB position beyond Jack Campbell and Barnes is up in the air. Malcom Rodriguez and Trevor Nowaske were fixtures on special teams last season, and both are looking to secure a starting LB spot after the departure of WILL LB Alex Anzalone.
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Devin White, who was signed in the wake of Rolder's injury, is also out to prove he's more than just a temporary fill-in and is capable of reclaiming his Second-Team All-Pro form from 2020. White did finish last season third in total tackles, with 174, although his coverage defense left a lot to be desired.
Amen Ogbongbemiga and Joe Bachie, who are listed alongside to Rolder in the latest depth chart, both had impressive showings in the Lions' preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. They'll get an opportunity to build upon that this Saturday against the Washington Commanders as they compete for a roster spot.
But the injured Rolder is the specter that looms large in the LB room, both among those on the roster bubble and those trying to move up the depth chart. Those LBs won't have too much longer to make their case, because roster cuts are not the only thing fast approaching.
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