Infamous Former Vikings Pass Rusher Does It Again
When the Minnesota Vikings signed outside linebacker Marcus Davenport in free agency of 2023, the only knock on his resume involved a lengthy injury history. And after that major concern, Davenport has proceeded to hit injured reserve in each season.
A member of the Detroit Lions’ roster, who used to play for the Minnesota Vikings, is sadly up to his old tricks.
The latest chapter arrived this week, when the Detroit Lions tossed Davenport on IR. He’s out for at least four games, a common theme for Davenport.
IR Is the Verdict for Ex-Vikings Pass Rusher Marcus Davenport
A familiar song and dance for the Lions EDGE.
Marcus Davenport, Once Again, Hits Injured Reserve
That’s a wrap on the first portion of Davenport’s 2025 campaign.
ESPN’s Eric Woodyard wrote Tuesday, “Hours ahead of their prime-time game in Baltimore on Monday night, the Detroit Lions placed veteran defensive end Marcus Davenport on the injured reserve list with a chest injury. He will miss at least four games, but Lions coach Dan Campbell said he doesn’t think the injury will be season-ending.”
“Davenport started both games to begin this season, but was injured during the Week 2 win over Chicago. In 2024, he suffered a season-ending torn triceps injury in Week 3 against Arizona, but the Lions decided to run it back with him on a one-year deal to try to upgrade their defense.”
The veteran defensive end missed 15 games last year with the same franchise, so the team’s fan base should not be shocked by the development.
A Very Familiar Story
While with the New Orleans Saints from 2018 to 2022, Davenport was habitually banged up, usually on deck to miss at least five games like clockwork. As it turns out, his typical 11 or so games played per season would absolutely be welcomed by his new employer(s).
In 2023 with the Vikings, Davenport participated in four games before hitting the shelf with a high ankle sprain. He was never seen again in Minnesota.
Last year, Davenport’s first with Detroit, he injured his triceps in Week 2 and never saw the field again. The man missed 82% of games in 2023 and 2024, and that trend shows no sign of slowing down this go-round.
The Lions’ Pass Rushers without Davenport
Similar to last year, Detroit will be just fine without Davenport. In 2024, it won 15 games in the regular season before faceplanting in the Divisional Round against the Washington Commanders. Davenport is supposed to put the defensive front over the top. Without him, the Lions’ DL slinks back to decent.
Here’s the defensive end group:
- Aidan Hutchinson
- Al-Quadin Muhammad
- Tyrus Wheat
- Pat O’Connor
- Andre Carter II (Practice Squad)
- Josh Paschal (IR)
- Marcus Davenport (IR)
Muhammad, especially, stood off the page in Monday night’s win over the Baltimore Ravens — in addition to Hutchinson’s consistent dominance.
No Problems on MNF
Speaking of MNF, the Lions had no problems finishing off the Ravens. The two teams produced a playoff-type contest for about two and a half hours before Detroit pulled away and shut the door on Lamar Jackson and friends.
To the naked eye, Detroit didn’t miss Davenport all that much, which was the same arrangement last year, generally speaking.
Detroit logged 7 sacks en route to the 38-30 dub — all without Davenport.
Lions-Themed Media Unfazed by Davenport’s IR Ordeal
Detroit Jock City‘s Michael Bohlin wrote Tuesday, “The Detroit Lions’ loss of defensive tackle Marcus Davenport isn’t going to have as much of an impact on the team’s defensive front as some had suggested.”
“While it was just one game, the pressure that Detroit was able to get on Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson in Monday’s 38-30 win was as impressive as any defense has managed to get on the former NFL MVP. For just the second time in his career, Jackson was sacked seven times in a game as the Lions matched the mark the Pittsburgh Steelers set against the Ravens star back in 2021.”
Detroit’s defense ranks 16th per DVOA after three weeks.
Bohlin added, “After bringing down Jackson seven times in the win, any questions about the pass rush or the depth up front for Detroit have been answered. Now, the question seems to be whether there will even be a place on the roster for Davenport once he is healthy. Marcus Davenport already is an afterthought after the Lions’ Week 3 showing.”
“Perhaps the biggest reason why Davenport is fading from the memory of Lions fans is the breakout performance from Al-Quadin Muhammad. After recording no statistics in the season opener, the 30-year-old pass rusher has been on a tear the last two weeks, racking up eight tackles and 3.5 sacks.”
The next step for Davenport is to determine if he returns at all in 2025. When a similar occurrence arose in Minnesota two years ago, the man vanished.
You must be logged in to post a comment.