The Detroit Lions are reaching a crucial period in building the roster for the 2022 season.
Decisions have to be made on numerous positions, either for starters or backups.
Linebacker is a position where decisions have to be made, and rookie Malcolm Rodriguez is a major part of the discussion.
He has been impressive from the start of rookie minicamp through Wednesday's joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts.
View photos from Day 1 of Lions-Colts joint practice on Wednesday August 17, 2022.
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah (1) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Tracy Walker (21) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions guard Jonah Jackson (73) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
A joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amani Oruwariye (24) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver DJ Chark (4) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Cedric Boswell (35) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Bobby Price (27) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) and Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Eric Banks (94) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Josh Woods (51) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback AJ Parker (41) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Chase Lucas (36) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Saivion Smith (19) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety JuJu Hughes (33) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Saivion Smith (19) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (59) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
A joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah (1) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety JuJu Hughes (33) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97), and Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Bobby Price (27) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Cedric Boswell (35) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Hughes (23) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Hughes (23) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback AJ Parker (41) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Chase Lucas (36) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Hughes (23) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety DeShon Elliott (5) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Justin Jackson (42) and Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Will Harris (25) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Charles Harris (53) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Will Harris (25) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety JuJu Hughes (33) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Eric Banks (94) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Bruce Hector (92) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Charles Harris (53) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Austin Bryant (2) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike (35) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Justin Jackson (42) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions center Evan Brown (63) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Justin Jackson (42) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Justin Jackson (42) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions long snapper Scott Daly (47) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike (35) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31), Detroit Lions tight end Derrick Deese Jr. (48), Detroit Lions tight end James Mitchell (82) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Wide Receivers Coach Antwaan Randle El during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus (87) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Chris Board (49) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Cedric Boswell (35) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Chris Board (49) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah (1) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17), Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (50), Detroit Lions tackle Matt Nelson (67), Detroit Lions guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai (72) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions kicker Riley Patterson (6) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Chris Board (49) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Bruce Hector (92) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman John Cominsky (79) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Bobby Price (27) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Josh Woods (51) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Jashon Cornell (96) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Linebackers Coach Kelvin Sheppard during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (59) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor (62) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions guard Tommy Kraemer (78) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalil Pimpleton (83) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathon Taylor and Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus (87) during a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park in Westfield, IN on August 17, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
The only knock against him is his size – 5-11, 230 pounds – and that doesn't seem to faze head coach Dan Campbell.
The Lions knew Rodriguez was undersized for the position when they drafted him in the sixth round out of Oklahoma State. He's still 5-11, and maybe a little heavier.
They also knew he was smart, athletic and aggressive. Rodriguez is still all of that – with the addition of experience in the NFL environment that has jumped him into a contender for a starting job.
The two joint practices with the Colts – Wednesday and today -- will help decide some roster positions.
"We're going to find out a lot by the end of tomorrow," Campbell said before Wednesday's practice.
Rodriguez has been in the rotation at inside linebacker of late with Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes. Rodriguez started the first preseason game against the Falcons. He had a tackle on defense and an assisted tackle on special teams.
"It'll work itself out," Campbell said. "He's very aware. He sees things quick. He's no different than Saint (wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown) was last year. He can see the game. He can feel the game.
"He's aggressive. He plays hard. He's a finisher. And he can run. He's got speed."
View photos from the Detroit Lions' trip to Indianapolis for joint practices and their Week 2 preseason game against the Colts.
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Tracy Walker (21) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amani Oruwariye (24) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Michael Brockers (90) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Devin Funchess (13) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety JuJu Hughes (33) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalil Pimpleton (83) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Hughes (23) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Austin Bryant (2) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Trinity Benson (17) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Austin Bryant (2) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Josh Woods (51) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Saivion Smith (19) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (38) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Tim Boyle (12) during travel to Indianapolis on August 16, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions)
Rodriguez hasn't gotten distracted by obsessing about where he stands on the depth chart.
"If it comes that the coaches want me to start, I'll start," he said. "It's not a big deal. It's one of those things. I'll step in that role and be vocal and that leader out there."
The first thing he talked about Wednesday was the practices with the Colts.
"It's high intensity," he said. "The coaches preach that, going against another team. I feel like the guys today had that juice, and we were ready to go."
