The Detroit Lions have endured plenty of injuries over the last few years, so it can get complicated to remember what players have come back and who still has a chance to re-emerge in the year ahead.
Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez was quietly a missing piece on defense most of last season after sustaining an ACL tear in late 2024. He didn't come back until late November of 2025, and never completely looked or felt like himself when he did return.
After a whole season of recovery last year and then again this offseason, Rodriguez is ready to return and show that he can make a big impact on the defense. He never felt completely comfortable late last year, and struggled as a result. Fortunately, he feels much better after plenty of time working hard to get back into the mix throughout the offseason.
"I was dealing with some stiffness, trying to get (through) some scar tissue and all that. (Also) getting that mental strength back. So, it's one of those things where this year I feel 10 times better. Night and day (between) last season and this year. I'm excited to come in healthy."
In 2025, Rodriguez knew the season was essentially a write off. During the offseason, he has seen a major shift in his abilities and health. That means he has hit the ground running in workouts, and is prepared to do that again in training camp and during the season.
"It was always just about getting healthy. coming back from injury. Coming from last season, I didn't feel my best, what I used to feel like. So, it's one of those things where going in the offseason, (I had a ) fresh mindset, a clear mindset, and (focused on) getting back right."
That focus could come back to benefit Rodriguez this season. Not only does he know the defense, but he has a solid track record in the NFL to fall back on. Kelvin Sheppard has long appreciated Rodriguez's game. That could mean the franchise can work him back into the mix and get a solid player ready to make a difference.
Rodriguez ready to prove himself all over again within Lions defense
This offseason, the Lions have seen some big changes to their defense, specifically at linebacker. Alex Anzalone departed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jack Campbell effectively became the next leader at the position. Depth, however, offers a great opportunity for plenty of players to step up.
Detroit drafted Jimmy Rolder from Michigan, who figures to play a role this year and represent strong competition. Damone Clark was also added in free agency, and can fight for snaps. Rodriguez could have the inside track to play a role over both of those guys thanks to his advance knowledge of the defense, and is ready to show that he can make a difference again within the defense.
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"(I'm) always hungry. It's one of those things where you get the opportunity, you've got to go out there and showcase your talents again. It's one of those things where coming into this year, it's kind of a refresh and going back in there like I'm a rookie again. That's the mindset you got to have. You just got to keep going."
Given his injury status, Rodriguez has been out of sight and mind for Lions fans for a long time. That doesn't mean he can be any less effective when he returns this summer and fall. It could be a sneaky big bounce back season for Rodriguez as a result.
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