The Lions earned a victory on Thanksgiving, but it surely got here on the expense of one other damage on protection. Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez suffered an ACL tear, Fox Sports activities’ Jordan Schultz experiences.
Rodriguez shall be out for the rest of the season consequently, and his absence represents one more blow to Detroit’s protection usually and linebacking corps specifically. The 25-year-old had logged a 49% snap share on protection whereas nonetheless dealing with a notable position on particular groups this season. That was set to proceed given the continuing absence of Derrick Barnes together with Alex Anzalone‘s damaged forearm, however now the Lions might want to look elsewhere on the depth chart.
A sixth-round choose in 2022, Rodriguez instantly demonstrated his potential by logging 15 begins as a rookie. He racked up 87 tackles that 12 months however was relegated to rotational/particular groups duties final season. Because the NFC’s high seed has navigated a number of accidents on the second degree, although, Rodriguez has stepped again right into a notable position. The Oklahoma State product racked up 43 tackles and a pair of sacks previous to taking place yesterday. Head coach Dan Campbell expressed concern over the damage, and now the worst-case situation has performed out.
As Detroit (11-1) seems to be to stay within the high spot within the convention (to not point out the uber-competitive NFC North), depth choices shall be wanted on the LB spot. Anzalone is at the moment on injured reserve, however he might return in some unspecified time in the future earlier than the beginning of the playoffs. Barnes, in the meantime, has not shut the door to enjoying once more in 2024, however a deep postseason run will doubtless be wanted for that to be attainable. The Lions’ entrance seven will transfer ahead with out all three members of that trio in the intervening time, one thing exacerbated by the earlier accidents suffered alongside the sting by Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport (amongst others).
Because the Lions look to proceed their success with plenty of key defenders out of the image, Rodriguez’s consideration will flip to rehab. One 12 months stays on his rookie contract, however he shall be eligible for an extension this offseason. Evidently, this damage will damage his worth on any long-term Detroit dedication.
