Malcolm Rodriguez has seen his role transform in his second season with the Detroit Lions.
After starting 15 games at linebacker as a rookie last season, the Oklahoma State product has taken on a different responsibility in his second season. Beginning with Detroit's Week 7 game against Baltimore, Rodriguez has been getting snaps with the offense as the team's fullback.
He recorded his first career catch against the Packers in Week 12 and has seen his snap count on offense gradually increase throughout his time at the position. His physicality has made him a natural fit for the position while Jason Cabinda is on injured reserve, but he's also earned trust by fulfilling his responsibilities.
In the meantime, Rodriguez has played just 66 snaps defensively this year. Alex Anzalone's consistency, paired with the emergence of Derrick Barnes and Jack Campbell, have shifted him into a special teams role.
An injury to Anzalone may necessitate more snaps for Rodriguez on the defensive side against New Orleans in Week 13, but that is unlikely to change his current standing with the offense.
"He's gonna have to take on a bigger load. He plays a little bit on defense and we're gonna need him more on offense, too," said Dan Campbell. "So we're gonna stretch him out a little bit here but he can handle it. He's got hands, too, you saw that. Can flip his hips. He's tough, he's got leverage. He's smart so it's pretty impressive, it's pretty impressive."
Cabinda last played in Week 3 against the Falcons and has yet to return to practice. When active, he's a valued member of the offense as a blocker and also on special teams.
However, Rodriguez's presence and performance affords the Lions patience. The second-year player has a 59.5 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus.
When Cabinda returns, he could slide naturally back into the role. However, the Lions seem to be content with Rodriguez at the position until the veteran is completely healthy.
"I think, as of right now, we're maximizing our roster. Cabinda is continuing to heal and we're not forced into doing something we don't need to do just yet, either," Campbell explained. "So it's kind of a combination of those. But Rodrigo's doing a good job. We haven't lost sight of Cabinda. But in the moment, it's, we're just letting this kid grow a little bit and see where he can go."
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