SerpApi.Org
Returns from season-ending injuries are more about regaining the instincts and confidence rather than just making it back to the gridiron. That is exactly where the Lions believe Malcolm Rodriguez is now as he works toward his NFL return.
As reported by Richard Silva of The Detroit News, Lions defensive assistant David Corrao reflected on the major concerns for linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez over his return after recovering from a torn ACL.
“With a player like Malcolm, we’re trying to spend less time on the ‘What,’ because he’s a more advanced, developed veteran,” defensive assistant David Corrao said. “Now, he gets to worry about the ‘How.’ … What’s my reaction? Did I key this right? Did I get to the right lineup? All the little nuanced details that speed a player up when they’re no longer thinking about that.”
As Corrao believes, Rodriguez is one of the Detroit Lions’ finest linebackers, he already knows the nuances of football.
The remaining challenge is returning to the point where he can trust his instincts, diagnose plays instantly, and react without overthinking.
This is something many players experience in their first season back from a major knee injury, per Corrao.
The 2022 NFL draftee suffered a season-ending ACL injury back in 2024 on Thanksgiving Day against the Chicago Bears, as did tackle Alim McNeill.
Because of his injury, he missed the rest of the season, including seven games from the 2025 NFL season.
Before calling it a season back in 2024, he appeared in 10 games for the Lions and recorded 43 tackles with two QB hits. And he appeared in seven games in the 2025 season, where he registered 12 tackles.
As per reports, Malcolm Rodriguez has completely recovered from his torn ACL and is now set to make his return in the 2026 NFL season.
But like Corrao, other members of the coaching staff also have complete faith in Malcolm Rodriguez ahead of the 2026 NFL training camp.
Where Malcolm Rodriguez fits in the Lions defense
As reported by Richard Silva of The Detroit News, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez could play weak-side linebacker.
After the departure of Alex Anzalone to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jack Campbell establishing himself as a key piece in the LB room, Rodriguez has an opportunity to play in Anzalone’s place.
Not just this, Derrick Barnes is likely to remain as the starter on the strong side, per Silva.
However, Rodriguez has to face rookie Jimmy Rolder and veterans Damone Clark, Trevor Nowaske and Joe Bachie for the position on the Lions roster.
With training camp approaching, Rodriguez appears to have a legitimate opportunity to earn a significant role, but he’ll first have to fend off stiff competition to secure his spot in Detroit’s linebacker rotation.
What do you think about Rodriguez’s chances of joining the Lions roster in the 2026 NFL season?
