The Detroit Lions announced on Tuesday that they have activated linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez from the physically unable to perform list to the team’s active 53-man roster. No corresponding move was necessary, as the Lions had an open spot on their roster after placing tight end Sam LaPorta on injured reserve Saturday.
Rodriguez returns after suffering a torn ACL in Detroit’s Thanksgiving game against the Buffalo Bills last year. He was due to return earlier, but had a setback in recovery that reportedly required an additional procedure. Rodriguez returned to practice three weeks ago, and Tuesday marked the end of his 21-day evaluation period, meaning Detroit either had to put him on the 53-man roster or revert him to season-ending reserve/PUP. Now that he’s activated, he is eligible to play in this Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.
While the Lions are in a prime position at linebacker, with starters Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, and Derrick Barnes all playing a high percentage of snaps and performing at a high level, Rodriguez will be a valuable asset on special teams and defensive depth.
“He’s a great player, or has been a very good player on teams, I’ll say that for sure,” special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said last week. “Anytime you get a good player back, that obviously helps the whole group. So, it’ll be good. The better player that’s out there, the less load everyone else has to carry. So, it helps pass the load or share the load around.”
In addition to Rodriguez, Lions coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism on Monday that they could get cornerback D.J. Reed back from injured reserve this week, as well.
“D.J. Reed looks pretty positive here, we’re going to get him a week of work here and see where he’s at,” Campbell said Monday.
Other Lions players who are nearing a return include Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, Kerby Joseph, and Khalil Dorsey—whose evaluation clock is expected to start when the team returns to practice later this week. We’ll know more about each player’s progress when the first injury report is published on Wednesday afternoon.
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