Prior to their “Monday Night Football” matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, the Detroit Lions made a few roster moves, but none more notable than placing defensive end Marcus Davenport on injured reserve.
The veteran defensive end suffered a chest injury after sacking Bears quarterback Caleb Williams in the second half of the team’s 52-21 victory over Chicago. While he talked to the media after the game and shrugged off injury questions, he was seen later in the week with his arm in a sling.
On Saturday, coach Dan Campbell noted that while he couldn’t give a full timeline of Davenport’s recovery, he did specifically point out that he doesn’t expect it to be a season-ending injury.
“We’ve gotten some other tests back. We do not feel this is season-ending, but don’t see him playing this week,” Campbell said.
Davenport will miss at least four games. He’s eligible to return in Week 7 for the Lions’ Monday night matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, although it’s worth noting the team’s bye is in Week 8.
UPDATE: Per Ian Rapoport, Davenport’s injury is a pec strain, and he is expected back shortly after sitting the next four games.
This marks the latest in a long line of injuries for Davenport. In 2021, he missed a month with a shoulder injury. In 2023, he played in just four games due to a high ankle sprain, and last year, he succumbed to a season-ending tricep injury after just two games played.
In Davenport’s place, the Lions are expected to start Al-Quadin Muhammad, who has impressed the coaching staff with his play lately.
“He’s been phenomenal, it has nothing to do with ability, look at the effort he plays with,” defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said this week. “That is the identity of the Detroit Lions defense. Forget the stats, forget any of that stuff, just talk to me about Muhammad’s effort, and that is the standard for the Lions defense.”
In addition to placing Davenport on IR, the Lions also elevated tight end Ross Dwelley—who was signed earlier this week—from the practice squad. A seven-year veteran, Dwelley has 101 games and 17 starts worth of experience under his belt, and has primarily been used as a run blocker and special teamer. He’ll take over the Lions’ TE3 role for this game, as the team’s usual TE3, Shane Zylstra, was placed on injured reserve last Tuesday.
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