Wednesday presented a day off for the Detroit Lions, who've been hard at work with training camp throughout the last week. Expectations are high surrounding head coach Dan Campbell's team after winning back-to-back NFC North titles, and the first week of training camp has given the Lions a better idea of whether winning a third in a row is possible.
Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez is one player whom Lions fans haven't heard much about throughout camp. Rodriguez is recovering from an ACL tear he suffered last season, and HC Campbell provided an update on his defender's injury on Wednesday, revealing that the 26-year-old LB likely won't play until October.
Although Campbell's update on Rodriguez wasn't exactly encouraging, the former 2022 sixth-rounder shared an update of his own that could have the Motor City buzzing.
Lions LB Malcolm Rodriguez Posts Encouraging Injury Update on Training Camp Off Day
Following Campbell's update, Rodriguez took to Instagram to share some news of his own. The ex-Oklahoma State product posted a video (h/t @PrideOfDetroit) of him running some cutting drills in the practice facility, seemingly indicating that his recovery is going along smoothly.
"Kickstart My Heart" by iconic glam metal band Mötley Crüe playing in the background certainly makes for a fitting song, especially if Rodriguez's goal was to pump up the Detroit faithful.
A look at Malcolm Rodriguez’s progress: pic.twitter.com/JhTQyUMik3
— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) July 23, 2025
Hopefully, Rodriguez doesn't experience any setbacks as he continues his ACL rehab. The Tahlequah, OK native suffered his season-ending ailment against the Chicago Bears in Week 13, capping his performance at 27 solo tackles, two sacks, one fumble recovery, and a forced fumble in 10 games (6 starts).
Rodriguez's Pro Football Focus grades also highlight just how disappointing it is that he didn't get to finish Year 3 in the NFL on a healthy note. The talented disruptor's 87.1 run defense grade was the third-best mark in Detroit, while his 74.4 overall defense grade ranked 16th-best among eligible linebackers, per PFF.
The 2025 season is a contract year for Rodriguez, meaning it's crucial for him to heal quickly and give the Lions as many reasons as possible to re-sign him. In the meantime, Detroit will turn to the likes of Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, and Derrick Barnes to handle the brunt of LB duties once the regular season begins.
It would be great if Rodriguez's update is a sign of even more good news to come. The Lions have one of the better defenses in the NFL; however, it's clear that the unit is better when Rodriguez is a healthy and productive contributor.