Jimmy Rolder is creeping closer to a return, and that matters a lot more than the Lions probably expected when his hamstring first acted up.
The fourth-round rookie linebacker said on the X's and BrO's podcast on Tuesday, "Leg’s getting better. We’re definitely making some strides."
He also offered a fairly upbeat guess on his next step, adding, "Hopefully I’ll be back out there in a week. Week or so.
We’ll see."
Rolder didn’t spell out exactly what “out there” will look like, but the message was clear enough: his recovery is moving in the right direction. That’s a major shift from the early outlook, when the injury was described as something that could cost him a "significant amount of time." Dan Campbell had to calm things down earlier this month, making sure everyone knew the injury wasn’t "a season-ender."
That doesn’t mean the Lions are suddenly ready to throw him right back into the fire. Campbell had already called it "unfortunate" that rookies like Rolder and EDGE Derrick Moore were missing camp reps, noting those snaps are "valuable." If Detroit chooses to be cautious, Rolder could still be eased back gradually, which means his NFL debut might not come until October.
Even so, this is a welcome development for a linebacker room that’s very much in motion.
Rolder was one of the standouts of minicamp and the early part of training camp, flashing even in an area that’s supposed to be a question mark for him: pass defense. Right now, though, he sits at the back end of the Lions’ latest depth chart. Injuries don’t appear to weigh heavily in those listings - Cade Mays is still shown as the starter at center even though he’ll miss a chunk of the regular season - but Rolder’s lost time still leaves him with work to do.
That climb could move fast if he picks up where he left off. Beyond Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes, the competition at linebacker is wide open. Malcom Rodriguez and Trevor Nowaske, both regular special teams pieces last season, are trying to turn that into a starting opportunity after the departure of WILL LB Alex Anzalone.
Devin White is in the mix too, signed after Rolder went down and now trying to show he’s more than a stopgap. White is chasing the form that made him a Second-Team All-Pro in 2020, even though last season he still finished third in total tackles with 174. Coverage, though, was another story.
Then there are Amen Ogbongbemiga and Joe Bachie, who are listed with Rolder on the latest depth chart and both turned in strong work in the Lions’ preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. They’ll get another chance to make noise this Saturday against the Washington Commanders, with roster spots very much on the line.
And that’s why Rolder’s recovery timeline looms so large. He’s not just another injured rookie waiting in the wings. He’s the player who could scramble the entire pecking order the moment he’s cleared, especially in a room where so many guys are trying to force their way up the board before cuts arrive.
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