The Detroit Lions have suffered a significant setback as linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez will miss the remainder of the 2024 NFL season due to an ACL tear, per multiple reports.
The injury occurred during Detroit’s 23-20 Thanksgiving Day victory over the Chicago Bears. Rodriguez appeared to hurt his right knee in the fourth quarter of the game. While he was able to walk off the field on his own, he did not return to the action, and further tests reportedly confirmed the ACL tear, ending his season.
Rodriguez had already been dealing with knee issues earlier in the year. He missed Weeks 9 and 10 after aggravating a knee injury in a Week 8 matchup against the Houston Texans. Despite the setbacks, Rodriguez managed to see action in 10 games during the 2024 season, contributing as a key member of the Lions’ defense when healthy.
Rodriguez tallied 43 total tackles, two sacks and a pass breakup this season.
With Rodriguez sidelined for the rest of the season, the Lions’ linebacker corps will now heavily lean on Jack Campbell as Detroit looks to stay atop the NFL standings.