The Detroit Lions entered Week 9 rested and rejuvenated after being one of four teams on a bye in Week 8. The break arrived at a perfect time, giving the team a chance to recover from injuries—particularly on defense, where depth had been tested in recent weeks.
As the Lions regroup at the practice facility, they’ve been greeted with some uplifting news regarding linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Detroit has officially designated Rodriguez to return from injured reserve, allowing him to resume practice this week. Schultz also reported that the veteran linebacker is projected to make his season debut when the Lions face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football in Week 11.
For Detroit fans, this update is a welcome relief. Rodriguez has proven to be a valuable asset on both defense and special teams. Before suffering an ACL injury last November, he had appeared in 10 games, starting six, and posted 43 total tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery.
While his pass coverage had some challenges, Rodriguez still recorded career-best marks—allowing just 6.4 yards per catch and an 89.3 passer rating when targeted.
Beyond his defensive duties, Rodriguez is widely recognized for his energy and consistency on special teams—an area that often flies under the radar but plays a crucial role in team success. Detroit already features contributors like Ty Summers, Grant Stuard, and Trevor Nowaske, though Zach Cunningham’s recent placement on injured reserve due to a hamstring issue leaves a gap that Rodriguez could help fill.
With his return on the horizon, the Lions are set to benefit from Rodriguez’s leadership, physicality, and special teams presence—giving the roster an important lift as they push deeper into the 2025 season.
