Detroit Lions Mailbag: Is Malcolm Rodriguez coming back soon too? Who could be cut when Alim McNeill and Josh Paschal return?
What’s going on with other Lions players who can now return from the IR?
Four weeks of the Detroit Lions’ season are in the bag, and they’re 3-1. Lions fans have some questions, and we have some answers. Let’s get into it.
Could Malcolm Rodriguez be coming back soon, too?
Right now, it doesn’t look that way. Lions head coach Dan Campbell was asked if any of the players who can come back after Week 4 are close, and McNeill is the only one that he said was close and/or ready to go.
The last time we got an update on Rodriguez’s timeline was in July, when Campbell said he was likely set for a return in October. So we’re not too far off, but at this time, it doesn’t look like he’ll be starting his clock this week or next. We’ll see, though.
Is Tyleik Williams playing like a first-round talent?
Absolutely. I’ll defer to Dan Campbell on this one. He had a good explanation of what Williams is bringing to the table on Tuesday morning in his interview with 97.1 The Ticket.
“Well, he’s just, he really, he’s gone about his business,” Campbell said. “It’s been quiet production. I mean that in a good way. He’s another one of these guys that does so many things that maybe not everybody sees, like, you can’t move the guy in a run game. Between he and Reader, you’re not moving those guys. But he does a ton. He’s got really good feet. He plays with leverage, strong hands, and, man, he can bottle up the freaking runs, man.
“And then he’s got sneaky push in the middle. He can get an edge and push, and in the pass game, so he’s been a guy that man, he continues to get better. And there again. You don’t always see it in the stats, but he’s doing so much that’s helping all these other guys with their stats. And that’s what this game is about. That’s what defense is about. It’s the unselfishness, and he has to do a lot of his dirty work. And he’s doing a damn good job with it.”
When will the Lions open things up for Isaac TeSlaa?
I think things should open up more for TeSlaa as the season goes on. The Lions have shown in the past that they like to take it a little slow with their receivers. You can point to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, who took some time before they got going.
In terms of him being around the 35, that’s where you want him, right now. He’s shown that he can make those contested catches, and you want him to be there for high-point situations in the end zone. He just hasn’t been targeted a lot. That will come in time.
What free agent cornerback could the Lions bring in for depth?
The Lions typically work out players or have visits on Tuesday, so we might see someone join the roster soon. I’m not sure if the Lions will bring in any big-name players that are available, such as Stephon Gilmore or James Bradberry.
Some guys to consider might be Caleb Farley, maybe they bring D.J. Miller back, and Trayvon Mullen is out there. Nick Whiteside, who had a pretty good summer for Detroit, is still unsigned, too. Guys like that make the most sense. But you never know, maybe they go out and do something big.
Who could be the odd men out when Alim McNeill and Josh Paschal come back?
Hmm… There are a few guys that the Lions may look to shift to the practice squad when they get McNeill and Paschal back. Guys like Chris Smith, Tyler Lacy, and Tyrus Wheat could be those guys on the defensive line. If they don’t want to part with any linemen, tight end Ross Dwelley or receiver Dominic Lovett could be candidates. There’s room to be made for sure.
Could the Lions make any schematic changes with D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold out?
I don’t think there will be any changes like that. The Lions can go with Amik Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin in those spots and then have Avonte Maddox play in the slot. That’s still a pretty good group.
This is why the Lions put a lot of focus on strengthening that cornerback depth. On top of that, Terrion Arnold isn’t ruled out just yet. With all that and the Bengals’ offense struggling, it’s hard to see a shift for one game.
What is the Lions’ plan if Hank Fraley gets hired away this offseason?
Man, Fraley has been a hot candidate for interviews in the past two years. It’s tough to see him not getting an offensive coordinator position somewhere after what he’s done with the Lions’ offensive line this season. As for the backup plan once he’s gone, inside the building, there’s assistant offensive line coach Steve Oliver. He’s been with Fraley the whole time in Detroit, and it makes sense that he would be the logical next step.
On the outside, there’s Saints’ assistant offensive line coach Jahri Evans. Campbell was teammates with Evans in New Orleans in 2009, and he was also on the Saints coaching staff during Evans’ time playing for the Saints. He’s someone who is expected to move up coaching ladders soon.
Who is the best center in the 2026 NFL Draft so far?
According to Lions GM Brad Holmes, the plan is still to try Tate Ratledge at center going forward, so the Lions may not be in the market for a center in next year’s draft.
With that said, the guy Lions fans should be watching when it comes to centers is Auburn’s Connor Lew. He’s been a solid center in the SEC for years now. He allowed just one sack last year. He’s allowed three in his entire career there. Another guy is Florida’s Jake Slaughter.
Detroit Lions News
Dan Campbell unveils when the Lions plan to try to play Alim McNeill in his first game this season
McNeill could be back very soon, maybe even next week
