Lions 2026 Training Camp Medical Preview: Linebackers
The Lions are looking good at LB for 2026
The Lions linebacker situation is in solid shape in terms of youth, production, and health. They are led by Jack Campbell who had quite the offseason as you will see below.
The big hope for the entire linebacker group is if they can pick up some of the playmaking slack left by the injured secondary. The Lions defense needs to force more turnovers, and it might be up to the LB unit to get the job done.
What will help is the fairly low overall medical concern for the linebackers. Here are their updated concern levels.
🟢0-3 Low medical concern
🟡4-6 Moderate medical concern
🔴7-10 High medical concern
(Age at start of season in parentheses.) Click on player name for full medical report if available.
STARTERS
🟢Jack Campbell (26)
Medical concern level: 1/10
Campbell had offseason hip surgery in 2025. He then went on to to play all 17 games in 2026. This offseason, he was named 1st-team All-Pro, signed a 4-year, $81M extension, and welcomed a newborn baby…
In his three years with the Lions, he has yet to miss a game. With his excellent family planning, labor and delivery won’t cause a missed game in 2026.
OUTLOOK: Expect continued reliability and solid production out of Jack Campbell. The hope for 2026 is he can add a few more splash plays to his statline. Last year, he had 0 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 5 sacks.
🟢Derrick Barnes (26)
Medical concern level: 2/10
Barnes had a surgical MCL/PCL in 2024. He rebounded to have a reliable 2025 season by playing in all 17 games, but it was a bit disappointing from a production and playmaking standpoint (1 INT, 0 forced fumbles, 4 sacks). It’s possible he was limited by knee residuals.
OUTLOOK: Barnes is still firmly entrenched as a starter. Hopefully, being another year removed from his serious knee injury will allow him to be more impactful.
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
🟡Malcolm Rodriguez (27)
Medical concern level: 4/10
Rodriguez had an ACL tear in November 2024. There is some concern about his ACL recovery, which was delayed due to a follow-up surgery. He didn’t see the field until late November of 2025 and did not play much on defense until the final two games.
OUTLOOK: Rodriguez has been healthy this offseason which is a good start. But it remains to be seen if he can regain his previous form. If so, his excellent instincts and physical strength will add great value to the LB rotation.
🟢Jimmy Rolder (22)
Medical concern level: 2/10
This fourth-round rookie has been wearing a right elbow brace for at least a couple years now, including this offseason with the Lions. He also had many minor injuries throughout his college career.
OUTLOOK: Rolder showed playmaking ability and a instinctual nose for the ball when I watched him in his final season at Michigan. He should get a fair number of snaps in 2026 and then take over the Rodrigo role in 2027. His young age means he could be a very long-term stalwart for the Lions.
🟢Trevor Nowaske (27)
Medical concern level: 1/10
A minor elbow issue cost him two games last season. He also had a concussion in 2024.
OUTLOOK: Nowaske has played a lot with the Lions in the past three seasons - 31 games total. While his productivity doesn’t jump off the screen, he is a consistent, reliable presence. That’s what you want in a backup.
DEPTH CONTENDERS
🟡Damone Clark (26)
Medical concern level: 4/10
A cervical spinal fusion in 2022 carries durability concerns. But he’s been pretty reliable in the NFL except for a knee issue in 2024.
OUTLOOK: Clark has a lot of experience in the NFL having played 55 games in four seasons.
🟢Erick Hunter (23)
Medical concern level: 2/10
Hunter had a 2024 shoulder surgery, but is otherwise clean.
OUTLOOK: Hunter has the speed (4.48) to make an impact in the NFL. His young age will help him stick on at least the practice squad.
🟡Joe Bachie (28)
Medical concern level: 5/10
Bachie had a toe injury that sent him to IR last season. Previously, he’s had groin, hip, oblique, and an ACL tear. There is an injury accumulation concern here. This offseason, he has been healthy.
OUTLOOK: Bachie’s six years of NFL experience gives him an edge, but his medical concerns may create an uphill climb to making the roster.