Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez will miss the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL during Thursday’s victory over the Chicago Bears, according to ESPN reports.
Rodriguez, a key piece in the Lions’ defense, sustained the injury in the second half, ending a promising season prematurely.
The 24-year-old linebacker started in six games this season, making an impressive impact with 43 tackles and two sacks. Known for his agility and play-reading ability, Rodriguez had become a reliable presence in Detroit’s defensive lineup.
His loss presents a significant challenge for a Lions team that is pushing toward a playoff berth.
Agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey confirmed the move to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Additional injury updates
In related news, Lions defensive end Josh Paschal also left Thursday’s game with a knee injury. Initial tests suggest that Paschal’s injury is not season-ending, according to a source cited by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Paschal will require rehabilitation but is expected to return later this season, providing some relief to a battered Detroit defensive unit
Lions face key decisions amid playoff push.
With Rodriguez out and Paschal sidelined temporarily, the Lions will need to adjust their defensive schemes to maintain momentum in a competitive NFC. The addition of Kwon Alexander brings veteran leadership and experience, but integrating him into the system midseason will be no small feat.
Rodriguez’s absence extends beyond his on-field performance. As a young and dynamic player, his presence had become a source of energy for the Lions. Head coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism about the team’s ability to rally, stating, “We’ve faced challenges before, and this is no different. We have the depth and the mindset to push through
The Detroit Lions almost lost in humiliating fashion to the far-inferior Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving again, but they came through thanks to now-former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus clinging to his last timeout like it was his only child in the middle of a hurricane.
While they got the win, the NFC frontrunners suffered a lot of injuries during the game, especially to their defense. Yesterday Detroit managed to fill one of those holes at the expense of the Seattle Seahawks.
Specifically, the Lions have signed veteran defensive tackle Myles Adams off the practice squad, where he landed after the Seahawks waived him from the active roster last week.
Losing Adams isn’t the end of the world for rookie head coach Mike Macdonald’s defense. However, it shouldn’t be totally ignored. Adams offered experience and depth at one of the most-important positions in the modern game.
He had appeared in 26 games for the Seahawks over the previous four seasons, getting regular work as a backup.
For what it’s worth Pro Football Focus didn’t like what they saw from Adams on the field this season. He currently has a 40.4 overall grade, which was the fifth-lowest mark on Seattle’s defense for the year. Adams has particular poor grades in tackling (28.5) and run defense (37.9).
