The Detroit Lions got back in the win column in Week 2, but it came at the expense of edge rusher Marcus Davenport. Davenport left Sunday’s win over the Chicago Bears with ankle and shoulder injuries, and his departure left the Lions’ depth at pass-rusher up in the air ahead of a Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
With the game slated as a Monday Night Football matchup, the Lions would probably prefer to be at their best going up against quarterback Lamar Jackson and Baltimore’s high-powered offense. Unfortunately, head coach Dan Campbell’s latest update on Davenport isn’t what Lions fans want to hear and could have Detroit tying one hand behind their back as it prepares for Week 3.
Lions HC Dan Campbell Gives Vague Update on Marcus Davenport Ahead of Ravens Game
Speaking during an interview with 97.1 The Ticket on Wednesday morning, Campbell was vague about Davenport’s status. Aside from saying there was “nothing new” about his injury, he went on to praise the depth that he had on the team.
“(There’s) nothing new there,” Campbell said. “I’m probably not going to know until the end of the week. But as far as depth, we’re good. We’re in a pretty good place here. You know, we made some acquisitions, Brad did, right out of camp. So we’re pretty good depth wise here, but we’ll know more at the end of the week.”
Taking a cautious approach with Davenport is probably a good idea considering he hasn’t played more than four games in a season since 2022 and played just two games for the Lions a year ago. But it’s also a concern when discussing their game plan against the Ravens.
Aidan Hutchinson bounced back from a quiet Week 1 to log five total pressures and a sack against the Bears. Campbell also praised Al-Quadin Muhammed, who logged three pressures and a sack to earn a bigger role heading into next week. The rest of the depth chart is concerning, with Tyrus Wheat and Pat O’Connor behind the two starters.
The Lions could elevate Andre Carter II from the practice squad if they wanted, but it would be nice to get whoever the reserves would be ready to go if Davenport isn’t ready to play.
Campbell has been transparent about major injuries during his tenure with the Lions, so it’s probably a good thing that he didn’t announce that Davenport will be out for an extended period of time. Still, Campbell and his staff would probably like to know what they have well ahead of Monday’s matchup against a legitimate Super Bowl contender in the Ravens.