The Detroit Lions are gearing up to play the Baltimore Ravens under the primetime lights on Monday Night Football, and it looks like they'll have to do it without one of their defensive starters.
Colton Pouncey of The Athletic reported that the veteran defensive end was not at practice on Friday. Davenport had already received a DNP (do not practice) designation on Thursday’s initial injury report as he deals with a chest injury. This means he's unlikely to suit up on Monday, but it also calls into question his role in this defense for the rest of the season as well.
However, when he exited last week’s game against the Chicago Bears, Davenport had suffered a shoulder injury.
That said, this is the last thing you want to hear if you're the veteran defensive end, as you’ve already missed most of last season because of a season-ending triceps injury. As we know of, this current injury doesn’t seem to be a season-ending situation.
Marcus Davenport’s Starting Role in Jeopardy Heading into Week 3
Davenport's absence opens the door for Al-Quadin Muhammad to see an expanded role, while he's already been making the most of his opportunities this season. Head coach Dan Campbell has already been singing Muhammad's praises while looking to expand the veteran's role.
This is bad news for the oft-injured Davenport, who missed most of last year with a season-ending triceps injury and who hasn't played more than four games in a season in 2022.
Muhammad recorded four combined tackles, two QB pressures, a sack, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit in 36 defensive snaps. He also had a 76.4 defensive grade, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Lions are familiar with what Muhammad brings to the table, as he gave them a nice boost at the defensive end spot last year when they were littered with injuries. The veteran defensive lineman has a nice blend of strength and speed that Detroit hopes to see more often starting in Week 3.
Muhammad has a tall task ahead of him as the Ravens have one of the more dynamic QBs in the league in Lamar Jackson. But with another impressive performance, Detroit could continue to ride the hot hand, and more importantly, continue to reward the more reliable defender with the starting job.
Playing on a one-year contract, it's not an exaggeration to say that Davenport's time as a Lions starter could be over if this injury forces him to miss any significant time.