Lions’ Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez Sidelined for the Season with Torn ACL, Further Depleting Defensive Depth

In a season marred by injuries, the Detroit Lions have taken yet another hit with the devastating news that linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez has torn his ACL. This injury, first reported by Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, means that Rodriguez will miss the remainder of the 2024 season—leaving a noticeable hole in the Lions’ already depleted linebacker corps.

The loss of Rodriguez is a major blow to Detroit’s defense. Head coach Dan Campbell had already expressed concerns about the severity of Rodriguez’s knee injury following Thursday’s game against the Chicago Bears, and those fears have now come to fruition. “I’ll be honest with you, I think Rodrigo’s the one that could be the worst,” Campbell said in the aftermath of the game. “And I don’t know how significant it’ll be just yet, but he’s the one I fear a little bit.” Unfortunately, his fears have proven true.

Rodriguez, who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has been a revelation for the Lions this season. He had stepped up impressively amid the team’s growing list of linebacker injuries. Starting six of the 10 games he played, Rodriguez recorded 43 tackles, two sacks, and two tackles for loss. His performance had earned him the highest Pro Football Focus grade of his young career (74.4 overall), making his loss all the more significant.

This season has already been a challenging one for Detroit’s linebacker unit, with injuries piling up. Rodriguez is the fourth linebacker to be sidelined with a long-term injury. Fellow linebackers Derrick Barnes (knee), Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck), and Alex Anzalone (forearm) have also spent time on the injured list, leaving the team with little depth at the position. While Anzalone and Reeves-Maybin may return in time for the playoffs, the loss of Rodriguez further thins out an already weakened position group.

In Rodriguez’s absence, the Lions have turned to lesser-known players to step up in the rotation. During Thursday’s game, recent additions Ezekiel Turner, David Long, Trevor Nowaske, and Ben Niemann all saw significant snaps. While these players have contributed, it’s clear that Rodriguez’s absence will be felt.

To help fill the void, Detroit has made a move to bolster their linebacker depth by signing veteran Kwon Alexander off the Denver Broncos’ practice squad. Alexander, who started two games for Denver earlier this season, has a history with the Lions’ coaching staff. He spent part of the 2020 season with the New Orleans Saints, working under head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, which gives him a built-in familiarity with the team’s defensive schemes.

While the signing of Alexander provides immediate relief, it’s unclear whether he will be able to step in and provide the same level of play as Rodriguez. The Lions’ defense will need to adjust yet again, as they fight to stay in the playoff hunt.

Rodriguez’s injury also raises questions about his future with the Lions. As a sixth-round pick in 2022, he still has one year left on his rookie contract. With the typical recovery timeline for an ACL tear, there’s hope that Rodriguez will be able to return for the start of next season, but for now, his season—and a key piece of the Lions’ defense—is over.

In a year where the Lions have shown resilience and promise, this injury only adds to the adversity they have faced. Still, with a strong team mentality and depth in other areas, Detroit will need to rally around these injuries to continue their push toward the postseason.