Lions Reshape Linebacker Room Following Jimmy Rolder Injury

The first week of Detroit Lions training camp has produced no shortage of storylines. From the impressive play of Jameson Williams to Jahmyr Gibbs’ contract hold-in, there has been plenty to discuss. One of the more intriguing position groups, however, has been the linebacker room.

During Friday’s practice, rookie fourth-round pick Jimmy Rolder suffered a leg injury that forced him to leave the field. Detroit has since received more clarity on the injury, and while it is not considered season-ending, Rolder is expected to miss time.

According to Jordan Schultz, Rolder “didn’t suffer a severe injury” but will “miss some time.” Even with the injury not being major, the Lions wasted little time adding help.

Detroit signed veteran linebacker Devin White, who enters his eighth NFL season. White was a second-team All-Pro in 2020 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he spent the majority of his career. Since then, he has played for the Houston Texans in 2024 and the Las Vegas Raiders last season. The Lions will become his fourth team in four seasons.

White’s best season came in 2020 where he was named second team All Pro. While also recorded an NFL-leading 133 solo tackles among linebackers last season while playing 1,118 defensive snaps, the second-most at the position. Over his career, White has totaled 759 tackles, 51 tackles for loss, 71 quarterback hits, 25.5 sacks, nine fumble recoveries, seven forced fumbles, 24 passes defended and four interceptions.

White wasn’t the only linebacker Detroit added this week.

The Lions also signed veteran Troy Reeder to a one-year, $1.17 million contract. Reeder enters his eighth NFL season after spending time with the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. He has appeared in 106 career games, making 38 starts, and is expected to compete for a depth role while contributing on special teams.

The current projected starting linebacker trio consists of Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez.

Rodriguez had been competing with Rolder for a starting role throughout training camp, but Rolder’s injury is expected to sideline him for several practices, giving Rodriguez a clearer path to opening the season as the starter.

Barnes has also impressed early in camp, recording the first interception of training camp and earning praise from Dan Campbell during his post-practice media session.

Behind Campbell at middle linebacker are Rolder and Reeder, while the competition at the WILL linebacker spot features Damone Clark and Joe Bachie.

Clark signed with Detroit this offseason after spending last season with the Texans, where he appeared in six games. Injuries have slowed his career, but when healthy, he has shown he can be a productive linebacker and should have a strong opportunity to earn a roster spot.

Bachie, a former Michigan State standout, provides valuable experience and has become a familiar depth piece in Detroit’s defense.

Backing up Barnes on the outside is Trevor Nowaske, who enters his third season with the Lions. Nowaske has appeared in 31 career games, making two starts. Undrafted rookie Erik Hunter out of Morgan State rounds out the depth chart.

On paper, Detroit has one of the deepest linebacker groups in the NFL. The biggest question isn’t talent—it’s health. If Campbell, Barnes and Rodriguez can stay on the field throughout the season, the Lions will have one of the strongest linebacker units in the league and a significant advantage in their pursuit of another NFC North title.