Marcus

Davenport

It’s a tough blow for Davenport, who appeared in just four games last season and joined the Lions on a one-year, $6.5 million contract this offseason. Davenport has totaled just four sacks in his last 21 games, and is three years removed from the nine sack season he posted in 2021. He’ll be 29 at the start of next season, and will likely get a chance with another team if the Lions opt to not bring him back in 2025.

Davenport attempted to put a sleeve on the injury and return but was unable to do so. Rapoport reports Davenport “could be lost for the season” but will undergo additional tests to confirm. Davenport totaled just 2.5 sacks in 19 games from 2022 to 2023 and has a half sack this season. We’ll see what the additional tests reveal, but it sounds like he’ll miss at least a few weeks either way.

The Lions will miss Davenport’s ability to rush the passer off the edge. The free agent acquisition played in only four games with the Vikings last year. Otherwise, the Lions are fairly healthy heading into Week 2. Detroit’s second round pick Ennis Rakestraw is a surprise healthy scratch.

The report comes from team reporter Tim Twentyman, who notes backup T Giovanni Manu was also placed on the active/non-football injury (NFI) list. Davenport missed 13 games with the injury before signing with the Lions in the offseason. He is expected to return during training camp before suiting up as EDGE Aidan Hutchinson’s bookend in Week 1.

Davenport now reunites with Dan Quinn and Aaron Glenn, who worked with him during their days in New Orleans. Davenport totaled seven tackles and two sacks in four games with the Vikings after an ankle injury sidelined him in Week 6. Set to turn 28 before the start of the season, this is likely a prove-it deal for Davenport, who is only two years removed from a nine-sack season.

Davenport’s contract was set to be voided on Monday, which would have resulted in a dead cap hit of $6.8 million. With his deal now re-negotiated to expire on March 11th, the Vikings and Davenport have some extra time to work out a new deal ahead of free agency. Davenport, 27, signed a one-year deal with the Vikings last offseason. He appeared in only four games due to an ankle injury, totaling seven tackles and two sacks during that span. After breaking out for nine sacks in 2021, Davenport has managed just 2.5 sacks over his last 19 games and has never played in a full season. Still, it appears the Vikings would like to work out a deal with him for 2024 if the price is right.

Davenport has been dealing with ankle issues all season and now appears set to miss the next 4-6 weeks, with a trip to injured reserve squarely on the table. Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy defensive scheme asks a lot of its edge players and linebackers, making Davenport’s likely absence something to monitor for the immediate future.

Davenport seemed to hurt his leg in the second quarter against the Bears. He limped off the field and immediately went into the medical tent after the play. Davenport has been dealing with ankle issues this season and his absence is a hit to the Vikings pass rush. He was carted to the locker room and is now questionable to return with a potential ankle/leg injury.

Davenport has been limited to four snaps this season because of the ankle issue. He was listed as a full participant in Friday’s practice and should be able to make his return on Sunday. His return should help stifle a Carolina offense that has sputtered with Bryce Young under center.

Davenport missed Week 1 with the ankle issue but returned in Week 2. That only lasted a handful of snaps before he was forced from the game after re-aggravating the injury. It could be a few more weeks before he is ready to return to action.