It is hardly shocking that the Detroit Lions could be missing veteran edge rusher Marcus Davenport given his history of injuries. Because of a groin ailment, he missed all of practice this week. and it appears that he will not be able to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Before Friday’s practice, Lions head coach Dan Campbell gave an update on injuries during his media conference. According to SI.com, he mentioned a few players that may step in for Davenport against Tampa Bay in case he is sidelined.
The good news is that (DJ) Reader will be returning this week. I am happy about that. As a result, his return now gives us a bit more variety at the D-line because Paschal, Levi, and Kyle Peko, together with Alim McNeill, Mac, and Peko, can all play anywhere from the nose, three-technique, and big end.”
“Therefore, in the event that Davenport is unable to travel, they will all share some of the load.”
Considering that Davenport’s status was uncertain and James Houston was a healthy scratch in Week 1, the reporter who brought up the subject reportedly mentioned Houston by name.
Houston was left out of Campbell’s answer.
In related news, linebacker Derrick Barnes intimated that he would get more action on Sunday as an edge rusher in remarks he made this week to the Detroit Free Press.
Dan Campbell virtually says that James Houston will not play for the Lions.
After he was sack in the preseason finale, Campbell alluded to a difficult decision about Houston as roster cuts approached. Houston’s future has been precarious from the beginning because, despite making the roster, he did not necessarily win a spot on the 53-man roster.
When asked what Houston needed to accomplish to play in uniform against the Buccaneers on Wednesday, Campbell responded.
“A lot of the time, it might be the defensive back or him. What will therefore provide you more? And one major factor that influences that is, you know, special teams. What about injuries to other regions? So perhaps the insurance is necessary. Part of it is wondering what kind of production that will lead to.How many chances will he get to snap? He is another guy, so you know, I can not really respond to that. He is here, he is working, after all. If the chance or opportunity arises, we would love to get him up, but for now, we will just have to wait and see.”
One notable exception to the overall “the more you can do” philosophy has been Houston.
Rushing the passer is the one thing Houston has been able to do that has been determined will aid if Davenport misses Sunday’s game (he is officially listed as doubtful).
With Brad Holmes having snagged one of Campbell’s draft picks, it is beginning to look like Campbell lost the fight to keep Houston on the original 53-man roster. But on game day, Campbell and the coaching staff make the decisions about who plays, and Houston is likely to be a healthy scratch for the second straight game.
Until he proves otherwise, Campbell has effectively established that Houston is a non-entity to the Lions. In the end, he might not have many days left on the roster.
