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The Lions know the toll injuries can take after a frustrating 2025 season. That reality resurfaced as one Detroit coach discussed Malcolm Rodriguez’s recovery.
Ahead of the 2026 NFL season, the Motor City team’s linebackers coach, Shaun Dion Hamilton, reflected on his ACL injury while talking about the return of LB Malcolm Rodigrieuz, per Richard Silva of The Detroit News.
“I’ve had an ACL myself,” Lions linebackers coach Shaun Dion Hamilton said. “It’s always that first year, it’s kind of like, ‘Ah.’ But now he’s moving around great, he’s feeling great.”
Recalling the hardships of post-ACL injury, Hamilton recalled his time when he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during his collegiate years during the Tide’s SEC championship win over Florida.
“I think that also, I was telling (defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard), it’s great that he got a full offseason to be in Shep’s defense rather than (Aaron Glenn’s)…” he added. “… So, I’m excited where he is. I can’t wait to see him in training camp.”
Similarly, he mentioned the case of Lions LB Rodriguez, who went down with a torn ACL in the 2024 season on Thanksgiving Day during the Lions’ 23-20 win over the Chicago Bears.
Per Pro Football Focus, after recovering from his season-ending injury, he played only seven games for the Lions, where he recorded nine solo tackles.
According to reports, Rodriguez is now completely healed from his injury, and the coach expects him to participate in the 2026 training camp.
Rodriguez’s return is good news for the Lions, especially after the team lost multiple linebackers in free agency, making him a key figure heading into the 2026 season.
Lions LB enters camp with an edge at the position
The Detroit Lions are getting back Malcolm Rodriguez during training camp. Rodriguez is the leading contender to land the job in the 2026 season, according to defensive assistant David Corrao.
“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.”
Last season, the Lions frequently used the three-LBs package. This gives a job opportunity to Rodriguez at the weakside linebacker position, per Carrao.
However, he has to compete with players like rookie Jimmy Rolder and veterans Damone Clark, Trevor Nowaske, and Joe Bachie, who will push for opportunities.
Carrao believes that Rodriguez just needs to improve his game, he already knows the basics.
With his return and confidence from the coaching staff, Rodriguez is set to participate in the 2026 NFL training camp.
