The Lions remain optimistic about Marcus Davenport’s recovery, though there’s still no set timeline for his return.
Davenport is now eligible to come off injured reserve, but head coach Dan Campbell doesn’t expect that move to happen just yet as the veteran continues to rehab a pectoral injury.
“I’d say there’s nothing new on Davenport,” Campbell told reporters Tuesday. “He’s improving, but I can’t give you a definitive answer on when he’ll be back. I’m very confident he will return, but I just can’t give you an exact date.”
Davenport suffered the injury in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears after recording a sack on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. The 29-year-old hasn’t played since and has appeared in just four games over his two seasons in Detroit.
While getting him back would certainly strengthen the edge rotation, the Lions’ pass rush has continued to excel in his absence. Al-Quadin Muhammad has stepped up with strong performances, while Aidan Hutchinson has returned to elite form.
Hutchinson currently leads the NFL with 48 quarterback pressures through seven games, and Muhammad ranks inside the top 20 with 27 of his own. The return of Alim McNeill before the bye week has also provided a huge boost to the defensive front.
Despite facing frequent double teams and chip blocks—ranking fifth in the league in that category—Hutchinson has continued to dominate in one-on-one situations. Adding Davenport back into the mix would give Detroit the kind of powerful pass rusher they like to pair opposite Hutchinson, further freeing up their star defender.
In other injury updates, second-year running back Sione Vaki (groin) is set to return to practice this week for the first time in a month. Left tackle Taylor Decker practiced Monday but took Tuesday off for rest, with plans to return later in the week.
Decker rejoined the starting lineup before the bye after missing two games, while Vaki—out since the Baltimore matchup—could be ready to play against the Minnesota Vikings this weekend.