The Detroit Lions suffered a devastating blow Friday when it was revealed linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez has been ruled out for the season.
Rodriguez, who has started six games this year while recording 43 tackles and two sacks, exited the Lions’ Thanksgiving win over the Chicago Bears Thursday.
It was confirmed Friday that he suffered a season-ending injury, having torn his ACL, according to Jordan Schultz.
Rodriguez was injured late into the game when he appeared to hurt his right knee in the fourth quarter.
The linebacker was able to walk off the field on his own but did not return to the game, which ended in spectacularly tense and dramatic fashion.
The injury marks yet another blow for the Lions as they injuries continue to pile up in Detroit as the NFL enters the playoff-push stretch of the season.
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez has been ruled out for the season
Rodriguez exited the Lions’ Thanksgiving win over the Chicago Bears Thursday
Rodriguez had played well since stepping up for Derrick Barnes and Alex Anzalone, who have both also been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Barnes tore his MCL and PCL in September and is expected to miss the rest of the year, and Anzalone broke his forearm two weeks ago and will miss the rest of the regular season.
Head coach Dan Campbell also lost defensive linemen Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike to knee and hamstring injuries respectively during Thursday’s 23-20 win over the Bears – the Lions’ first Thanksgiving victory since 2016.
Aiden Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, John Cominsky and Kyle Peko are also out from the Lions’ defense, while Jalen Reeves-Maybin is also injured.
Despite their injuries, the Lions are currently leading the NFL with an 11-1 record ahead of the 10-1 Kansas City Chiefs’ clash against the Las Vegas Raiders Friday afternoon.
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