The Detroit Lions are nonetheless within the technique of figuring out the extent of significance of Marcus Davenport’s chest damage, however in keeping with coach Dan Campbell, they’re not anticipating him to play in Week 3 towards the Baltimore Ravens on “Monday Night time Soccer.” On a constructive be aware, whereas they’re nonetheless amassing info, Campbell doesn’t imagine Davenport’s damage is season-ending.
“I don’t see Davenport taking part in (in Week 3),” Campbell stated at his Saturday press convention. “We’re nonetheless attempting to determine what to do. We’ve gotten another assessments again. We don’t really feel that is season-ending, however don’t see him taking part in this week.”
When requested to make clear if Campbell had a selected timeline of how lengthy Davenport is anticipated to be unavailable to play, the coach responded, “We’ll have a timeline immediately or tomorrow.”
Davenport was noticed carrying a sling on his proper arm within the locker room on Friday, suggesting a stint on injured reserve just isn’t out of the query, however Campbell seems to be leaving that door open as they consider their choices.
With Davenport out, the Lions will flip to Al-Quadin Muhammad to begin reverse Aidan Hutchinson. Muhammad has excelled as a go rusher to begin the season and is among the many league’s finest in go rush win fee.
That manufacturing and energy have been acknowledged by Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who acknowledged that Muhammad has earned extra taking part in time, no matter whether or not Davenport’s damage retains him off the sector.
“He’s been phenomenal,” Sheppard stated of Muhammad throughout his Friday press convention. “It has nothing to do with availability. Have a look at the hassle he performs with. That’s the identification of the Detroit Lions protection. Neglect the stats, neglect any of that stuff, simply discuss to me about Muhammad’s effort, and that’s the customary for the Lions protection.”
On Saturday, Campbell famous that he’s pleased with the group’s depth on the sting, noting that Tyrus Wheat and Tyler Lacy (who have been each acquired at cutdowns however have but to play by two weeks) have a chance in entrance of them.
“We like these guys,” Campbell elaborated. “It’s one of many causes we acquired them, and people guys needed to be right here. They’re getting alternatives, we’re getting all people alternatives simply to see what they will do. And sure, they match proper in with us. I feel they perceive our system. They’re not as polished as all people else essentially, as a result of our guys have been right here. They’ve been within the system for some time. However, but, they’re getting it, and day-after-day they’re getting higher and higher. So we like our choices.”
Along with Wheat and Lacy, the Lions have additionally been counting on Pat O’Connor to present them edge reps, and so they even have Andre Carter out there to them through the follow squad. Josh Paschal stays on the Lions’ Non-Soccer Damage record for not less than two extra video games, and whereas he’s progressing by his rehabilitation, the Lions nonetheless don’t know when he’ll have the ability to return to full well being.
