Detroit Lions defensive end Marcus Davenport, who has battled multiple injuries in recent years, is once again facing uncertainty after leaving Sunday’s 52-21 victory over the Chicago Bears with a shoulder injury.
The veteran pass rusher was forced out of the contest in the third quarter and is scheduled to undergo additional evaluation on Monday. Speaking after the game, Davenport kept his comments brief about the setback.
“I don’t really know much yet, so I can’t say anything about it,” he said. “Right now, I’m just happy we got the win. It was a big team effort.”
Earlier in the matchup, Davenport also missed time in the first half because of an ankle issue. After working with trainers on the sideline, he returned to open the second half but was shaken up again with 9:33 left in the third quarter after sacking rookie quarterback Caleb Williams for an 8-yard loss.
Injuries have been a recurring obstacle for Davenport. During his first year in Detroit, he posted four quarterback hits in the season opener but was sidelined in Week 2 with a groin injury. A torn triceps in Week 3 ended his season prematurely. Despite his lengthy injury history, the Lions re-signed him this offseason to start opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Before his stint in Detroit, Davenport appeared in only four games for the Minnesota Vikings in 2023 before undergoing ankle surgery. In fact, he has topped 13 games in a season just once in his career.
Looking to turn things around, the defensive end adjusted his offseason training regimen and began working with a nutritionist. He admitted before Week 1 that staying healthy weighed on his mind.
“As much as I want to be the toughest guy out there and act like it doesn’t affect me, it does,” Davenport shared. “When that happens, I just have to pick myself back up.”
After the win over Chicago, Davenport appeared to have a wrap or ice pack tucked under his shirt on his right shoulder.
Meanwhile, safety Brian Branch also left the field briefly in the fourth quarter, but later clarified that it was only due to a cramp and said he felt fine afterward.
