For the second time in three games, the Detroit Lions have suffered a major setback in their linebacker corps. Malcolm Rodriguez tore his ACL during Thursday’s win over the Chicago Bears and will miss the rest of the season.
The news was first reported by Fox Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
The third-year linebacker sustained the injury while attempting to cover Chicago’s D’Andre Swift on a pass play during the fourth quarter of the Lions’ 23-20 Thanksgiving victory over the Bears.
After the game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the injuries to defensive linemen Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike but admitted that Rodriguez’s situation was the most concerning.
“I think Rodrigo is the one that could be the worst,” Campbell said. “And I don’t know how significant it’ll be just yet, but he’s the one I fear a little bit, could be down (for extended time).”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Rodriguez is scheduled for surgery once the swelling subsides. This marks Rodriguez’s second injury this season, as he also missed Week 8 with an ankle issue.
Rodriguez saw his snap count rise in Week 12, playing alongside Jack Campbell, after starter and team captain Alex Anzalone suffered a broken forearm in Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Before the injury, Rodriguez tallied 43 tackles and two sacks on the season. His absence is another blow to a Lions defense already depleted by injuries to Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin.
Rodriguez had a standout performance in the Lions’ Week 11 win over the Indianapolis Colts, leading the team with eight tackles (seven solo) in the 24-6 victory.