The Detroit Lions are playing against the New York Giants in Week 12, and the room for error is getting thinner as the season progresses. The NFC playoff race is tight, as every game matters. Detroit got bad news regarding tight end Sam LaPorta, as he underwent back surgery. Head coach Dan Campbell said his return to the 2025 season is "very, very slim."
That isn't the news fans wanted to see, but it appears they could be getting some reinforcements on the defensive side. On Friday, Campbell said that Marcus Davenport is close to returning, even though he won't play in Week 12.
That's a step in the right direction, as the Lions opened up his 21-day practice window on Nov. 12.
Marcus Davenport Is Close to Returning for the Lions
Davenport's tenure with the Lions has been injury-riddled. Last season, he only managed to play in two games due to a chest injury. And this year, it has been his pectoral that has given him problems.
Injuries have been a big part of his NFL career, as he's never been able to suit up every game in any season from 2018-2025. That isn't ideal, to say the least, but the Lions are expecting him to be back in the fold soon rather than later.
The entire Lions defense has dealt with several injuries, including Davenport and Josh Paschal on the defensive front. Aidan Hutchinson is the main difference maker along the defensive line, but having more players who can chew up reps and generate pressure while helping out the run is huge.
In Davenport's NFL career (71 games), he has compiled 156 total tackles, 28 TFLs, 69 QB hits, and 25 sacks. The bulk of that production came with the Saints, so the Lions are hoping that level of play can come through in the Motor City.
Over the course of Weeks 13-18, the Lions are set to face off against the Packers, Cowboys, Rams, Steelers, Vikings, and Bears. Several of these teams have explosive offenses with great quarterbacks, so this is certainly the timeframe that you would want to have more pass-rush help.
The Lions have until Dec. 3 to activate him to the active roster; if not, he'll revert to IR and be done for the remainder of the season. But based on Campbell's comments, he is trending in the right direction and is expected to be back in the fold soon.