The linebackers suffered significant casualties last season as well as a surprise offseason surgery. All that along with Alex Anzalone’s contract status means there are a lot of uncertainties going forward. The lack of quality, proven depth could be an issue this season if the starters don’t stay healthy.
Last season, the Lions kept six LB’s on the initial 53-man roster (Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Malcolm Rodriguez, Ben Niemann).
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Here is the list of LB’s starting with the players with the biggest medical question marks entering the season. Ages are at the start of the season.
#1: Malcolm Rodriguez – 27yo
Right ACL – November 28, 2024
The ACL isn’t a long-term concern, but it will keep Rodriguez out for about half this season. He is entering the final year of his 4-year rookie deal so has a lot of motivation to prove recovery.
As expected, he was placed on PUP at the start of training camp.
Projection: An estimated 11-month recovery would have him return on November 2 vs the Vikings. He may not start looking like his former self until late in the season or 2026 though.
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#2: Derrick Barnes – 26yo
Right MCL/PCL – September 22, 2024
An MCL/PCL injury ended his season in Week 3. This offseason, the Lions showed a lot of confidence by giving him a 3-year deal with $16 million guaranteed.
Derrick Barnes
Despite his visible right leg atrophy this offseason and a limited participation at OTA last month, he should be ready for the season. He was not placed on PUP at the start of camp which confirms his readiness.
Projection: Barnes is in the starting lineup for Week 1.
#3: Jack Campbell – 25yo
Campbell has played every game in his two-year NFL career. However during OTA, Campbell revealed that he had a minor hip surgery this offseason. He didn’t seem too concerned which is reassuring. In related news, Kerby Joseph had hip surgery the previous offseason and then became an All-Pro.
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Campbell was not placed on PUP at the start of camp which confirms that he is ready.
Projection: Campbell starts Week 1 and continues to anchor the middle of the defense.
#4: Alex Anzalone – 30yo
Left forearm fracture – November 17, 2024
A forearm fracture cost him six games last year, but he was able to return for the final two games. There is no concern with the arm going forward.
He has a history of a chronic right shoulder dating back to college but has been playing through that just fine.
The main question for Anzalone may be his contract status. He was one of only two players who skipped OTA (Ragnow, retired), and there are multiple hints that he is seeking a new or adjusted deal. He has posted many offseason workout videos suggesting he is healthy and ready for the season.
Projection: Even if he holds out all of camp, Anzalone will be a starter in Week 1.
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#5: DaRon Gilbert – 24yo
Last year as an undrafted rookie, Gilbert was waived by the Lions in preseason with an unspecified injury designation.
Projection: The lack of young depth means that Gilbert has a shot to make the 53-man roster.
#6: Trevor Nowaske – 26yo
Nowaske had a concussion in practice last season and missed a game. He played a healthy 349 snaps last season for the Lions on defense, and another 284 on special teams.
Projection: He makes the 53-man roster with his experience and youth.
#7: Grant Stuard – 26yo
The Lions signed Stuard as a free agent this offseason. He has been remarkably reliable being available for every game in his 4-year NFL career. He does have a remote history of a torn meniscus which isn’t a significant concern in the short-term.
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Projection: With a fully-guaranteed, 1-year contract, Stuard will make the 53-man roster.
#8: Anthony Pittman – 28yo
Pittman joined the Lions late last season and appeared in the final three regular season games. He should be healthy going into the season.
Projection: He may compete for a final roster spot.
#9: Ezekiel Turner – 29yo
Turner got 111 snaps last year on defense with the Lions. Most of his snaps (189) came on special teams. He should be healthy going into the season although his age is nearing 30.
Projection: If he makes the team, it will be because of special teams.
#10: Zach Cunningham – 30yo
Last year with the Broncos, he missed a few games with a hamstring but that’s not a concern going forward.
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Projection: The Lions likely would prefer to stay younger at the LB position.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions training camp medical preview: Linebackers