Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez took the field during the team’s victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, September 30, 2024, at Ford Field, where the Lions emerged triumphant with a score of 42-29.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell provided an update regarding the health of two key defensive players. Marcus Davenport, who has been sidelined since Week 2 due to a shoulder injury, remains on the injured reserve list. While he is eligible to return this week, Campbell does not anticipate his comeback just yet. “I don’t see that. Not yet,” he stated, adding that while Davenport is recovering and showing improvement, he does not expect him to be ready before the team’s bye week. Davenport has contributed five tackles and one sack across two games this season prior to his injury, making his absence felt in the Lions’ pass-rush scheme.
On a positive note, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez is reportedly making progress towards a return. He has been out since sustaining an ACL tear in a Week 13 game against the Chicago Bears last season. Campbell expressed optimism about Rodriguez’s recovery, stating, “Yeah, hopefully after the bye we can start rolling him out a little bit, get him going.” Rodriguez underwent a second cleanup procedure this past summer to manage scar tissue, but his potential return could significantly bolster the Lions’ defense.
With the upcoming Monday Night Football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers approaching, the Lions are eager to see both Davenport and Rodriguez back in action. However, ensuring that they are in top form for a challenging run of games against Minnesota, Philadelphia, and Washington after the bye week holds even greater importance for the team’s playoff aspirations. The hope remains that both players can contribute to a cohesive defensive unit when they return.