The Detroit Lions are only three weeks into the season but are already battling a problem that has become all too familiar: injuries to their pass-rushing unit.
Last year it was star defender Aidan Hutchinson who missed time, and now it’s Marcus Davenport who has landed on injured reserve. With the Lions aiming to defend their division crown and stay in the race for the NFC’s top seed, analysts believe general manager Brad Holmes may need to consider a bold move before the trade deadline.
Bengals Could Take Advantage
According to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, the Cincinnati Bengals may find themselves in position to cash in on teams desperate for pass-rush help. Around the league, injuries have piled up — the San Francisco 49ers also lost Nick Bosa to a season-ending ACL injury.
That could make Trey Hendrickson one of the most sought-after names on the trade block.
“The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported in August that the Bengals wanted a 2026 first-round pick and a young defensive player in return for Hendrickson,” Knox wrote. “While they’re not going to slash their asking price just because Joe Burrow is sidelined for the next three months, they may be more open to negotiations.”
With Burrow out long-term and Jake Browning taking over under center, Cincinnati may have to accept that they won’t be in the AFC title picture this year. That reality could push them to move Hendrickson, who remains one of the league’s most impactful edge rushers.
Knox also mentioned another possible target: Jaelan Phillips of the Miami Dolphins. Unlike Hendrickson, Phillips would represent more of a long-term investment.
“While Hendrickson would likely be a one-year rental, Phillips has long-term potential,” Knox explained. “At only 26 years old, any team that acquires him should be interested in extending him if he can return to pre-injury form.”
Phillips is under contract through 2025, giving Miami a decision to make as the deadline approaches.
Filling Davenport’s Shoes
For now, the Lions appear content to lean on their depth. In their first game without Davenport, Detroit’s defense was relentless, tallying seven sacks on Lamar Jackson in a 38-31 road win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad stepped into a larger role, pairing with Hutchinson to keep the pressure steady. Head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged Davenport’s injury but did not sound eager to rush into the trade market.
“Yeah, I don’t see Davenport playing [against the Ravens]. We’re still trying to decide what to do. We’ve gotten some other tests back,” Campbell said. “We do not feel this is season-ending, but don’t see him playing this week.”
He added that Detroit is confident in its rotation:
“Yes, we do. I feel good about the depth,” Campbell said.
Still, with a wide-open NFC race and a chance to solidify themselves as true contenders, the Lions may have no choice but to consider a blockbuster move if Davenport’s absence drags on.
