Lions 'Intrigued' with Malcolm Rodriguez Playing Fullback

Could the Lions have a new starting fullback?

The Detroit Lions have a history of turning linebackers into fullbacks. 

In fact, Jason Cabinda, who is currently on the injured reserve list, was converted to playing on the offense, after also previously playing at the linebacker position. 

Against the Baltimore Ravens, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, who has had his role on defense reduced, played at the fullback position. 

The team has confidence in keeping Rodriguez active weekly, due to his abilities on special teams. 

With his skillset, the coaching staff believes he could be successful in the role of fullback. 

"Rodrigo, we just we think there's a lot of flexibility with him," said Campbell. "We're always talking about how do we maximize the roster. We've been heavy on defense, going to the games. With the guys that we have normally -- we're carrying 23 there. And then, you know offensively, we 'teeter' between is it tight ends or is it receivers that you're trying to bring or halfbacks. 

"So, we felt like, 'Hey, man, let's give Rodrigo a go at fullback.' We've been intrigued by that for a while. And, we know he's going to the game, because he plays as a core special teams player for us, plays some defense when needed. So, we just wanted to get him more involved. We're intrigued with him. We like him at that position, as well."

Quarterback Jared Goff indicated he did not feel the second-year linebacker missed a beat switching positions. 

"It gives us some variability at fullback, with Cabinda out. If he does a great job of it, I don't know. Who knows, right," said Goff. "We got to go look at it. But, I thought he handled it well throughout the week, and didn't seem to miss a beat today."