Malcolm Rodriguez: Everything you need to know

Rodriguez has agreed to terms on a contract to remain with the Lions, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports. Rodriguez played in seven games for the Lions during the 2025 season. The linebacker was primarily a special-teams player, logging just 70 defensive snaps over the seven-game span. The 26-year-old will likely play a similar role for the 2026 Lions and will hopefully get to play in more games, now well removed from his ACL injury in late August of 2025.

The Lions activated Rodriguez (knee) from the reserve/PUP list Tuesday. 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.

Rodriguez (knee) has been downgraded and ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Eagles, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports. 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.