WESTFIELD, IND. — The longer training camp goes, the more it looks like rookie linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez could be a Week 1 starter for the Detroit Lions.
Rodriguez, a sixth-round pick out of Oklahoma State, joined presumptive starter Alex Anzalone with the Lions' first-team defense at the start of Wednesday's joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts, and Lions coach Dan Campbell said he is comfortable giving Rodriguez starter snaps Sept. 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles if that's how the position battle shakes out.
Derrick Barnes split first-team reps with Rodriguez during the Lions' installation period Wednesday, and veteran Chris Board is among others also in the mix for a rotational role at linebacker.