Malcolm Rodriguez Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Steelers vs Lions game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 18, 2025
Activated from PUP
The Lions activated Rodriguez (knee) from the reserve/PUP list Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez appears to be on the verge of making his 2025 season debut after a lengthy rehab from ACL surgery. The fourth-year linebacker recorded 43 tackles (27 solo), including 2.0 sacks, one pass breakup and one fumble recovery across 10 appearances last season.
Nov 15, 2025
Out for Sunday
Rodriguez (knee) has been downgraded and ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Eagles, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite a full week of practice sessions, Rodriguez will remain on the injured reserve list and won't suit up for the Week 11 matchup. The linebacker from Oklahoma State has yet to play this season as he continues to work back from a torn ACL in 2024. Expect Derrick Barnes to continue operating as one of the Lions' top outside linebackers until Rodriguez is fully healthy.
Nov 14, 2025
Could return Week 11
Rodriguez (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez was a full practice participant all week, but he would need to be activated from injured reserve in order to be eligible to play Sunday. The 2022 sixth-rounder is recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered from November of 2024, and his return would strengthen the Lions' depth at linebacker while giving the team another contributor for special teams. Rodriguez logged 43 tackles (27 solo), including 2.0 sacks, one pass defense and one fumble recovery across 10 regular-season games in 2024.
Nov 12, 2025
Full participant in practice
Rodriguez (knee) was a full participant in Detroit's practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez managed to practice fully for the first time since suffering a torn ACL late last season. If the 26-year-old is able to participate in Thursday and Friday's practices as well, he could be activated off the reserve/PUP list ahead of Sunday's matchup versus the Eagles.
Nov 8, 2025
Ruled out for Week 10
Rodriguez (knee) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game versus Washington.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez remains on the reserve/PUP list after he wasn't activated ahead of Sunday's Week 10 contest. He'll have to wait at least one more week to make his season debut after Rodriguez suffered a torn ACL in Week 13 of last season.
Nov 7, 2025
Questionable for Week 10
Rodriguez (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Commanders.
ANALYSIS
Although Rodriguez has been given the questionable tag for Sunday's game, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reported in late October that the Lions are aiming to have the 2022 sixth-rounder return for Week 11 against the Eagles on Sunday, Nov. 16. Rodriguez will have to be activated from injured reserve before being cleared to play, but he was limited in practice during Week 10 prep, so the Lions are likely to give the fourth-year pro at least one more week before clearing him to make his 2025 debut. Rodriguez is in the final stages of his recovery from a torn ACL that he sustained in November of 2024.
Nov 5, 2025
Limited at practice
Rodriguez (knee) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez was able to continue his stretch of limited sessions as he works his way back from the torn ACL he suffered last November. The linebacker still has over 10 days left in his 21-day practice window, and he will have two more chances to log a full practice this week ahead of Sunday's contest against Washington.
Oct 29, 2025
Limited on estimated report
The Lions listed Rodriguez (knee) as a limited participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report.
ANALYSIS
The Lions opened Rodriguez's 21-day practice window Monday as he enters the final stage of his recovery from torn ACL that he suffered last November. Wednesday's report was an estimate as a practice wasn't held, so Thursday's session will be his first opportunity for on-field reps since his injury. Per NFL reporter Jordan Schultz, the Lions are gearing Rodriguez to make his 2025 debut against the Eagles in Week 11.
Oct 28, 2025
Aiming for Week 11 return
The Lions are planning for Rodriguez (knee) to make his 2025 debut Week 11 against the Eagles on Nov. 16, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports.
ANALYSIS
The Lions opened Rodriguez's 21-day practice window Tuesday, and though he'll be eligible to play as soon as this Sunday's game against the Vikings, the Lions want to have him ramp up slowly as he works his way back from the ACL tear he sustained last November. Before suffering the knee injury, the linebacker totaled a pair of sacks among his 43 tackles over 10 appearances during the 2024 campaign.
Oct 27, 2025
Set to return to practice
Head coach Dan Campbell said Monday that the Lions plan to open the 21-day practice window for Rodriguez (knee) to return from injured reserve, Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News reports.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez is in the final stages of his recovery from a torn right ACL that he sustained in Week 13 of the 2024 season. However, he would likely stay on injured reserve until he is able to log consecutive full practices. Rodriguez's practice participation over the coming week will determine whether the Lions will activate him from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's NFC North clash against the Vikings.
Oct 14, 2025
Aiming to practice after bye
Coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday the Lions are hopeful to get Rodriguez (knee) back at practice following the Week 8 bye, Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez suffered a torn ACL in Week 13 last season and underwent a second, cleanup procedure on the knee over the summer, delaying his return to action. He remains on the reserve/PUP list, but it sounds like a November return could be in the cards for the veteran linebacker and special-teams standout.
Aug 26, 2025
Will miss at least four games
Rodriguez was placed on the reserve/PUP list Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez played 10 games (six starts) and produced 43 tackles (27 solo) and 2.0 sacks last season before his season ended due to a torn ACL in late November. The 2022 second-round pick should be back in action by this November if he avoids any setbacks, and his earliest chance to play will be Week 5 versus the Bengals. He likely won't start once he returns, as Derrick Barnes and Alex Anzalone should have those outside linebacker roles locked up.
Jul 17, 2025
Heads to active/PUP list
Rodriguez (knee) was placed on the active/PUP list by the Lions on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
The designation means that Rodriguez can return for the Lions' preseason opener against the Chargers on July 31, but that appears unlikely after he tore his ACL last November in a win over the Bears. In June, Detroit coach Dan Campbell estimated that the linebacker could perhaps return by November of this season, per Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com. Rodriguez has not played a starting role since his rookie campaign in 2022.
Jun 5, 2025
Likely out for start of season
Rodriguez (knee) is unlikely to be ready for the start of the season, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The linebacker was placed on injured reserve last November after tearing his ACL in a win over the Bears. Detroit coach Dan Campbell offered a conservative estimate Thursday that Rodriguez could return by November, per Woodyard. The 2022 sixth-round pick is entering the final season of his four-year rookie deal, and while he started 15 games as a rookie, he has played more often in a backup and rotational role since then.
Nov 30, 2024
Placed on injured reserve
The Lions placed Rodriguez (knee) on injured reserve Saturday.
ANALYSIS
As expected, Rodriguez will finish the 2024 season on injured reserve after he tore his ACL during the Lions' win over the Bears on Thursday. Ezekiel Turner, Kwon Alexander and Ben Niemann are all candidates to start at linebacker alongside Trevor Nowaske and Jack Campbell due to Rodriguez's injury.
Nov 29, 2024
Tears ACL, out for season
Rodriguez had an MRI that revealed a torn ACL in his knee, and his season is over, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, Rodriguez will have surgery to repair the ACL when his swelling subsides. The third-year pro ends his season with 43 tackles (27 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and a defensed pass. Ezekiel Turner could move into a starting role in Rodriguez's stead, though that responsibility may go to Kwon Alexander, who Detroit added off Denver's practice squad Friday.
Nov 28, 2024
Injures knee Thursday
Rodriguez suffered a knee injury during Sunday's game against the Bears.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez remained down on the field in the fourth quarter while holding his right knee but was able to make it to the sideline under his own power. If he's unable to return, he'll finish Week 13 with five tackles and one pass defense.
Nov 25, 2024
Leads team in tackles
Rodriguez tallied eight tackles (seven solo) Sunday in Detroit's win over the Colts.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez saw increased playing time Sunday with both Alex Anzalone (forearm) and Derrick Barnes (knee) on injured reserve, and he ended up having his most productive game of the campaign. Rodriguez's eight tackles not only led the team, but they also served as a new season high for the 25-year-old. He will likely continue to serve as the team's starting linebacker while Anzalone and Barnes remain sidelined.
Nov 14, 2024
Past ankle injury
Rodriguez (ankle) was a full practice participant Thursday.
ANALYSIS
An ankle injury has prevented Rodriguez from playing in the Lions' last two regular-season games, but his ability to practice in full Thursday indicates the 2022 sixth-round pick should be able to make his return against the Jaguars on Sunday. In the six games prior to his ankle injury, Rodriguez logged 26 tackles (16 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and one fumble recovery.
Nov 13, 2024
Limited to open week
Rodriguez (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez has been sidelined for the Lions' last two regular-season games after spraining his ankle in Week 8 against the Titans. Wednesday marked the first time he has been able to practice since the injury, and he'll have two more chances to increase his participation ahead of Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
Nov 8, 2024
Won't face Houston
Rodriguez (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Texans.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez will miss his second straight game, allowing Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell to handle the bulk of the linebacker snaps for Detroit. Rodriguez's absence will mainly be felt on special teams.
Nov 6, 2024
Misses Wednesday's practice
Rodriguez (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez was sidelined for the Lions' Week 9 win over the Packers after sustaining an ankle injury the week prior, and Wednesday's DNP suggests he could be in jeopardy of missing even more time. If the second-year linebacker cannot upgrade to at least limited participation Thursday or Friday, he'll likely miss his second game in a row in Week 10's matchup against the Texans.
Nov 1, 2024
Officially out for Sunday
Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters Friday that Rodriguez (ankle) won't play in Sunday's matchup against the Packers, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The second-year linebacker didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday after sustaining an ankle injury in the Lions' Week 8 win over the Titans, so it's no surprise that he'll be sidelined in Week 9. Expect Trevor Nowaske or Jalen Reeves-Maybin to see increased work with Detroit's first-team defense in Rodriguez's stead.
Oct 31, 2024
Doesn't practice Thursday
Rodriguez (ankle) did not practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez injured his ankle during the Lions' Week 8 win over the Titans, but he was able to avoid a high-ankle sprain. Given its an aggravated injury and he's logged consecutive DNPs this week, Rodriguez is unlikely to play against the Packers on Sunday. Should Rodriguez be sidelined, Trevor Nowaske would have the inside track on Ben Niemann to start at outside linebacker alongside Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone.
Oct 28, 2024
Avoids high ankle sprain
Rodriguez aggravated a previous ankle injury in Sunday's 52-14 win over the Titans and is expected to miss the Lions' Week 9 matchup against the Packers, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Shultz's report Monday suggests that Rodriguez avoided what was thought to be a serious ankle injury; however, the Oklahoma State product will still likely be sidelined for Detroit's Week 9 contest. Rodriguez has recorded 26 total tackles, including 2.0 sacks, across the Lions' first seven games this season. Schultz also reported that Rodriguez is expected to return in Week 10, so either Ben Niemann or Jalen Reeves-Maybin is anticipated to start in his place Sunday.
Oct 27, 2024
Won't return vs. Tennessee
Rodriguez (ankle) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the titans.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez was carted off the field in the first quarter of Sunday's game after injuring his ankle. With Rodriguez sidelined for the rest of the contest, Jalen Reeves-Maybin should see more snaps with the first-team defense.
Oct 27, 2024
Goes down with ankle injury Sunday
Rodriguez injured his ankle in Sunday's Week 8 game against Tennessee and has been deemed questionable to return.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez was injured early in the first quarter and had to be carted off the field. The latter detail perhaps lends pessimism about his chance of returning to the contest, but he's officially questionable for the time being. Jalen Reeves-Maybin could see substantially more work than usual if Rodriguez is forced to miss the remainder of the game.
Oct 22, 2024
Gets to the quarterback Sunday
Rodriguez recorded seven tackles (five solo) including 1.0 sacks during Sunday's 31-29 win at Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez's seven tackles were a new season high, and his sack was his second of the year. Even still, as long as both Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell are also available, Rodriguez probably won't see enough playing time to warrant IDP consideration in most formats.
Oct 1, 2024
Records sack in victory
Rodriguez recorded five tackles (four solo), including 1.0 sacks, in the Lions' win over the Seahawks on Monday night.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez made the start at linebacker in place of an injured Derrick Barnes (knee, IR) and played 34 percent of the Lions' defensive snaps in base situations next to Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell. With Barnes out at least three more games, Rodriguez should handle an increased role on defense on top of his leading special teams job.
Feb 27, 2024
Large role reduction in 2023
Rodriguez recorded 22 tackles and one forced fumble over 17 games in 2023.
ANALYSIS
After logging 584 defensive snaps during his rookie year, Rodriguez was given just 115 of them in 2023 thanks to Derrick Barnes seeing an expanded role alongside Alex Anzalone with first-round pick Jack Campbell joining the fold as well. Given that each of the three starting linebackers are under contract in 2024, Rodriguez does not have a clear path to a bigger role in the near-term, let alone come anywhere close to the 87 tackles he registered in 2022.
Oct 30, 2023
Good to go
Rodriguez (ankle) is active for Monday's game against the Raiders.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez injured his ankle in last week's loss to the Ravens and subsequently landed a questionable designation for Monday's game. Barring any setbacks, he looks ready to take on his usual workload.
Oct 22, 2023
Questionable to return
Rodriguez (ankle) exited Sunday's game against the Ravens and is listed as questionable.
ANALYSIS
The second-year linebacker did not record a tackle before exiting. Rodriguez has seven tackles in seven games this season.
Oct 18, 2023
Defensive role dwindling
Rodriguez did not log a defensive snap during Sunday's win over Tampa Bay.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez logged about a quarter of the defensive snaps over the first three games of the season, but the former Hard Knocks star has seen his role dwindle as first-round rookie Jack Campbell has seen his role expand. With Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes handling every other snap at linebacker, Rodriguez will likely see most of his work come on special teams for the foreseeable future.
Jul 27, 2023
Back on the field
Rodriguez (undisclosed) played majority of camp this week with the second-team defense, Dave Birkett of The Detroit Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez was dealing with an undisclosed injury earlier in spring and summer but he's since moved past the issue. The Oklahoma State product started 15 games for the Lions last year but now seems to be competing with Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes for the second starting linebacker spot alongside 2023 first-round pick Jack Campbell. As a rookie, Rodriguez tallied 87 tackles, eight tackles for loss and one forced fumble.
Jun 1, 2023
Out with undisclosed injury
Rodriguez (undisclosed) was a non-participant at practice Thursday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Dan Campbell ruled out Rodriguez for practice Thursday after the linebacker left the team's open OTA last week with an unspecified injury. That being said, he is not believed to be dealing with anything serious and the Lions are likely being cautious with his health.
Mar 14, 2023
Stuck next to Anzalone
Rodriguez will continue to play alongside Alex Anzalone in 2023 and beyond, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.
ANALYSIS
This limits the upside of the rising IDP prospect for the foreseeable future. However, linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard believes that the on-field support that Anzalone -- a defensive captain -- provided Rodriguez in 2022 made it easier for the latter to post impressive stat lines in the first place. While Anzalone's presence in the middle of the defense will nonetheless make it hard for Rodriguez to register elite IDP production going forward, it's still possible that Rodriguez could push for triple-digit tackles in 2023 after logging 87 as a rookie.
Jan 22, 2023
Records 87 tackles as rookie
Rodriguez totaled 87 tackles with one sack, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery over 16 games in 2023.
ANALYSIS
It was an up-and-down season for the 5-foot-11 rookie drafted in the sixth round, but the good far outweighed the bad for Rodriguez, who finished fifth among all rookie in total tackles. While his stock is already on the rise, Rodriguez could become a highly attractive IDP option ahead of the 2023 campaign should he take over the middle linebacker role from incumbent Alex Anzalone, who is set to hit free agency.
Nov 16, 2022
Logs full practice Wednesday
Rodriguez (elbow) was listed as a full participant on the Lions' injury report Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez was limited with an elbow injury during each practice Week 10, leaving him sidelined for Sunday's win against the Bears. The rookie linebacker recorded 54 tackles, one sack, one pass defended, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery over the first eight games of the season, and he should reprise this starting role in Sunday's Week 11 contest versus the Giants.
Nov 13, 2022
Won't play Sunday
Rodriquez (elbow) is inactive for Sunday's matchup against Chicago.
ANALYSIS
Rodriquez was a limited participant at each practice ahead of Week 10 due to an elbow injury and will miss his first game of the season. In his absence, Derrick Barnes and Jarrad Davis are candidates for increased roles.
Nov 9, 2022
Dealing with elbow injury
Rodriquez was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice due to an elbow injury.
ANALYSIS
Rodriquez presumably suffered the elbow injury during the Lions' Week 9 win over the Packers. The extent of the issue remains unclear, but he'll have two more opportunities to log a full session before the team needs to make a decision on the linebacker's status for Sunday's matchup against the Bears.
Nov 1, 2022
Packs stat sheet in loss
Rodriguez recorded seven tackles (five solo), a sack, one pass defended and one fumble recovery in Sunday's 31-27 loss to the Dolphins.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez tallied the first sack of his career as he brought down Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for an eight-yard loss in the first quarter. The rookie linebacker then recovered his first fumble of the season to end Miami's opening drive of the game. Rodriguez has now tallied 50 tackles (38 solo) while playing 331 of his 353 snaps on defense over seven games, and he'll continue to put up prolific stat lines while playing a prominent role in Detroit's front seven.
Oct 3, 2022
Records double-digit tackles Sunday
Rodriguez amassed 11 tackles (eight solo) and also forced a fumble on special teams in Sunday's 48-45 loss to the Seahawks.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez continues to produce in the tackles department, as he's now collected 33 stops through the first four weeks of the campaign. The rookie linebacker was on the field for 79 percent of the Lions' defensive snaps, and he'll look to add another solid performance next week against the Patriots.
Sep 27, 2022
Eight tackles in Week 3
Rodriguez collected eight tackles (seven solo) in Sunday's 28-24 loss to the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
The rookie linebacker continues to make plays across the field, as he recorded eight tackles while playing 76 percent of the team's defensive snaps in Week 3. Rodriguez hopes to continue his impressive efforts when the Lions host Seattle on Sunday.
Sep 11, 2022
Six tackles in regular-season debut
Rodriguez recorded six tackles with one tackle for loss during Sunday's 38-35 loss to the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez was a bright spot within a Lions defense that missed a number of tackles. Detroit has no reason to not give the ascending rookie plenty of more playing time as the season unfolds.
Aug 19, 2022
Pushing for starter status
Rodriguez appears on track for a starting role, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez has reportedly been the best playmaker in the Lions' linebacker room this summer. While his top competition has been Alex Anzalone, Chris Board and Derrick Barnes, it has nonetheless been an impressive rise for the 5-foot-11 rookie who fell to the sixth round this spring. It remains unclear what sort of role he will have when Week 1 rolls around, but Rodriguez could particularly have IDP utility if he edges out Anzalone for snaps at middle linebacker.
Apr 30, 2022
Motown linebacker
The Lions selected Rodriguez in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 188th overall.
ANALYSIS
Rodriguez is undersized for an NFL linebacker (5-foot-11, 232 pounds) and isn't super fast for his smaller frame (4.52 40-yard dash), but he was a major factor as a four-year starter for Oklahoma State, particularly as a tackler. Expect the 23-year-old to begin his career as a solid special teams player as he continues to add more girth to his frame.
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