**Lions' Malcolm Rodriguez Out for Season with Torn ACL**

Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell recently hinted that Malcolm Rodriguez's injury could be the most severe from their Thanksgiving game. Regrettably, this concern has been confirmed. As per Jordan Schultz, Rodriguez tore his ACL during the match against the Chicago Bears and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

This news strikes a significant blow to a Lions defense that has been plagued with long-term injuries on what seems like a weekly basis. The situation is especially dire at the linebacker position, where the team is already without Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin, all on injured reserve. There is a glimmer of hope, though, with Anzalone and Reeves-Maybin possibly returning come playoff time.

Rodriguez was performing admirably in his role as a reserve linebacker this season. Over his six starts in a total of 10 games, he amassed 43 tackles, registered 2.0 sacks, defended a pass, and earned a 74.4 PFF grade—the highest he has achieved in his career to date.

With Rodriguez's absence, the Lions leaned heavily on newly-acquired Ezekiel Turner in their game against the Bears, where Turner played 22 snaps. Additional support came from Trevor Nowaske with 31 snaps, David Long who clocked in 12, and Ben Niemann, who contributed four snaps.

Regarding Rodriguez's future with the team, he still has another year left on his rookie contract. The typical recovery period for an ACL tear is around nine months, which ideally would have him ready to go by the start of the next season.