Tag: Marcus Davenport

Lions final Week 2 injury report: 2 ruled out, Davenport doubtful and 3 more questionable

Lions final Week 2 injury report: 2 ruled out, Marcus Davenport doubtful and 3 starters are questionable including Penei Sewell

The final injury status report for the Detroit Lions ahead of their Week 2 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has some important names on it. Two players have been ruled out, one more is listed as doubtful and three others are questionable for Sunday afternoon’s game.

Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu and rookie wide receiver Isaiah Williams have been ruled out. Williams suffered an abdominal injury in Thursday’s practice and has not returned to the lineup. Melifownu continues to be sidelined by an ankle injury suffered in the team’s second preseason game in Kansas City a month ago. He practiced briefly last week before being ruled out of Week 1 and did not practice at all in Week 2.

Starting EDGE Marcus Davenport is listed as doubtful with a groin injury suffered in the Week 1 win over the Rams. Without knowing the severity of Davenport’s injury, it’s worth noting that no player who has been listed as doubtful on the final injury report has ever been active for a game under Dan Campbell.

Three players are questionable, including All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell (ankle). Sewell insists he will play Sunday.

Safety Kerby Joseph (hamstring) and wide receiver Jameson Williams (ankle) are also listed as questionable. All three players with that designation participated in Friday’s practice on a limited basis.

Lions vs. Bucs Friday injury report – Medical breakdown

Lions vs. Bucs Friday injury report – Medical breakdown of all the injuries on both squads entering their Week 2 matchup

DETROIT LIONS

The two main injury concerns coming out of last game were Penei Sewell and Jameson Williams and they remain question marks for this Sunday. Surprises popped up during the week with starters Kerby Joseph and Marcus Davenport.

(NP = No Practice, LP = Limited Practice, FP = Full Practice, UL= Unlisted)

Penei Sewell NP NP LP QUESTIONABLE – ankle, OT

On video, Sewell appeared to get rolled up on the right leg which often causes a high ankle sprain. He didn’t miss any snaps and seemed fine immediately after the game.

However, high ankles can be tricky and sideline players longer than you might initially think. With an LP on Friday, it is possible Sewell could play.

Last year, Taylor Decker suffered a similar injury, finished the game, then missed the next two.

Also last year, Jonah Jackson had a similar injury, finished the game, then missed the next three.

A factor affecting Sewell’s availability this weekend is that the Lions might take extra caution in an expected 20-game season. Missing 1-2 games in a long season is not a huge deal and even carries benefits in load and risk reduction.

Jameson Williams LP LP LP QUESTIONABLE – ankle, WR

On video, there was a very slight external rotation of the left ankle which likely caused a mild high ankle sprain. He did finish the game in spectacular fashion with a 52-yard TD reception.

With three LP’s, I would expect him to play with minimal to no limitations. While his left ankle may be sore, after taking a look at the Bucs depleted secondary, it may magically feel a lot better.

Kerby Joseph NP LP LP QUESTIONABLE – hamstring, S

Last Sunday, he camouflaged himself in the end zone as he picked off Matthew Stafford. This Sunday, he might be camouflaging himself on the bench.

The hamstring was a surprise as there were no signs of injury during the game and he played until the final defensive snap. It’s possible he hurt it during the week. Having two LP’s to end the week is reassuring that it isn’t serious.

If this Joseph can’t go, the other Joseph (Brandon) will likely take his place.

Marcus Davenport NP NP NP DOUBTFUL – groin, DE

Davenport played until the penultimate defensive play. I didn’t see any signs of injury throughout the game but groin injuries are hard to see.

The groin is a very complex area with many possible injuries, so without any details, it’s difficult to prognosticate. Hopefully, it is just a mild muscle strain of the hip adductors or hip flexors.

While he will be out this Sunday, the doubtful designation is a good sign that this is a short-term issue and he may be ready within the next two weeks.

DJ Reader FP FP FP IN – quad, DT

The grueling, nine-month road to recovery from a quad tendon tear that also included a knee scope speed bump will end this Sunday. Expect limited snaps to ease this big man in.

Carlton Davis FP FP FP IN – chest, CB

After letting an interception slip through his hands, Davis landed on his elbow likely causing a mild rib or ab injury.

The disability will be minimal but there might be some discomfort with chest expansion movements like deep breaths, extending arms, or torso rotation. My medical advice would be to just catch the ball next time.

Ifeatu Melifonwu NP NP NP OUT – ankle, S

An injury likely suffered in the 2nd preseason game is still lingering and starting to become a chronic concern.

Loren Strickland FP FP FP IN – thumb, S

With Melifonwu out and Kerby Joseph questionable, the door could be open for this undrafted rookie to be active this weekend in a backup role.

Isaiah Williams UL LP NP OUT – abdomen, WR

Assuming Jamo is playing, Isaiah Williams’ absence will have minimal impact.

Dan Campbell Friday press conference decryption

Campbell seemed unsure about Sewell’s availability this weekend but it doesn’t sound long-term.

When asked if Sewell’s injury was a high ankle, Campbell said “I think it’s a little bit more medial than that”. High ankle isn’t really a medial vs lateral issue so hard to say what he meant here.

Campbell may have meant more distal which means the pain is lower down the leg thus any high ankle involvement is minimal which would be good.

If he truly meant medial, the deltoid ligament is on the medial side of the ankle and can be injured with the same mechanism of a high ankle sprain. For example, Taylor Decker had a deltoid ligament repair this offseason. If it was just a deltoid ligament sprain and not a high ankle syndesmosis injury, that should be a good thing.

TAMPA BAY BUCS

The Bucs suffered significant injuries coming out of week one specifically to the secondary where at least three players (Winfield, Hayes, Hall) and maybe four (Smith) from last week will be out. Also, line starters Kancey and Goedeke are out.

Calijah Kancey NP NP NP OUT – calf, DT

Kancey missed week one with this calf injury and will be out again on Sunday.

Last year, he had a calf strain in training camp that took four weeks to recover from. Then in his first game back in week one, he aggravated it and missed the next three games. With this kind of personal medical history, the Bucs are wise to be cautious.

Luke Goedeke LP NP NP OUT – concussion, OT

The Bucs starting RT might have had a re-emergence of concussion symptoms after Wednesday’s practice. This will be the second straight week that the Lions’ opponent is missing at least one OT.

Antoine Winfield Jr NP NP NP OUT – ankle, S

This impact starter got hurt last game and will be out this Sunday.

Zyon McCollum LP FP FP QUESTIONABLE – concussion, CB

This starting CB has passed through the concussion protocol and very likely will be available.

Josh Hayes NP NP NP OUT – ankle, CB

This backup CB left last game with an ankle injury and was later seen in a boot. That’s often a bad sign and turns out to be the case here.

Tykee Smith UL NP NP QUESTIONABLE – illness, DB

As if the Bucs secondary wasn’t hurting enough, this rookie DB who played 68% of snaps last game came down with an illness during the week.

Logan Hall LP FP FP QUESTIONABLE – foot, DE

Hall missed week one with this injury but two FP’s means he’s likely ready now.

KJ Britt LP FP FP IN – illness, LB

William Gholston LP FP FP IN – elbow, DT

Lavonte David UL UL LP IN – rest, OLB

Mike Evans UL UL LP IN – rest, WR

NOTABLES UNLISTED

Bryce Hall CB OUT

This backup CB fractured his ankle this past weekend and was placed on IR.

Penei Sewell among 3 Lions still sidelined from practice

Penei Sewell among 3 Lions still sidelined from practice on Thursday ahead of Week 2 matchup with the Buccaneers

The Detroit Lions injury report didn’t get any better from Wednesday to Thursday ahead of the team’s Week 2 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Four players remain out of action, including All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell.

Sewell is still sidelined with an ankle injury he suffered in the Week 1 win over the Rams. No. 58 has downplayed the severity, but it’s still missed time.

Also sitting out Thursday’s practice:

  • EDGE Marcus Davenport (groin)
  • S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle)

Davenport played quite well in his Lions debut, registering several hits on Rams QB Matthew Stafford. Melifownu has downgraded from being a limited participant in the final two practices last week to not participating. He’s been hurt since the team’s second preseason game in Kansas City.

On the positive front, starting safety Kerby Joseph upgraded from out to limited. Joseph is battling a hamstring. Alas, wideout Isaiah Williams downgraded to limited participant with a listed abdominal issue. Typically that change in status indicates an injury was suffered during practice, though the practices are not open to the media during the season to know for sure.

Wide receiver Jameson Williams was limited for the second straight day with an ankle.

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Marcus Davenport fulfills Dan Campbell’s vision for the EDGE spot opposite Aidan Hutchinson

Marcus Davenport fulfills Dan Campbell’s vision for the EDGE spot opposite Aidan Hutchinson with his ability to “crush the can”

The Lions have cycled through quite a few EDGE players lining up on the opposite side of the formation from Aidan Hutchinson in the last two years. There have been moments of success–notably James Houston in the last handful of games in 2022–but the position has been problematic.

After Week 1, Lions head coach Dan Campbell feels very strongly he’s found exactly who he wants in that role in Marcus Davenport. In his Detroit debut, Davenport notched four QB hits, a half-sack and several pressures on Rams QB Matthew Stafford. He and Hutchinson had banner games against the injury-ravaged Rams offensive line.

“Yeah, huge play. Huge play. The ends, it’s really what we – this is the vision the whole time,” Campbell said after the game. “This is what we knew we were going to get when we got Davenport and we felt really good about the production Hutch is bringing, brought last year, and what he was going to be able to bring this year. Then just the thought of somebody who can crush the can over there, crush the can and send him his way a little bit, or vice versa, and that’s what Davenport can do.”

Davenport and Hutchinson were key in keeping the Rams ground game contained. Los Angeles running backs gained 66 yards on 20 carries and only gained more than four yards on four of those.

Campbell continued praising Davenport,

“He’s long, he’s physical, he’s strong, he’s a big man. So, that showed up today, it showed up. We were able to hem him up a few times in there and so those, it’s good for him. It’s going to be good for Hutch and it’s going to be good for Davenport.”

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Potential worries about the Detroit Lions: Defensive newcomers with injury histories

The Lions are trying to fill some big holes on defense with veterans who have some lengthy injury histories before coming to Detroit

Up next in the series of potential worries about the 2024 Detroit Lions is a more abstract concept. That’s because this one could turn out to be nothing at all, and that would be a great best-case scenario.

Potential worries about the 2024 Detroit Lions: Kicking

Potential worries about the 2024 Detroit Lions: The safety spot

This one deals with the rather lengthy injury histories of a couple of critical defensive additions. In fact, both are coming off season-ending injuries that ruined their final seasons with their prior teams.

That would be EDGE Marcus Davenport and DT DJ Reader. Each represents a quite significant upgrade over the player(s) he is replacing in the Lions lineup, but it requires that they’re both healthy and stay that way. And staying on the field has been a challenge for both, especially Davenport.

The 2018 first-round pick by the Saints (while Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn were on the coaching staff) has missed at least three games due to injury in every season but one, the 2022 campaign. That was his last year in New Orleans. Last year in Minnesota, Davenport lasted just four games before being lost for the season with a high ankle sprain.

Going back to his rookie OTAs, Davenport has missed time with:

  • Broken thumb
  • Broken big toe
  • Lisfranc surgery
  • Concussion
  • Sprained shoulder
  • Sprained ankle
  • High ankle sprain

That’s a lengthy list for a guy who often relies on out-athleting the opponent to get to the quarterback. A healthy Davenport is exactly what this Lions defense wants aligned opposite Aidan Hutchinson, with length, power, speed, initial quickness and positional discipline. He’s been healthy this summer and looked great in team drills. Can that last?

We still haven’t seen Reader in a full-contact practice. The 30-year-old was just activated after recovering from a torn quadriceps. It’s the second time Reader has torn his quad, the prior one coming in 2020, his first year with the Bengals. Three of his first four seasons in the NFL, all with the Houston Texans, featured stints on I.R. for various injuries.

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When he’s been on the field, Reader has earned the respect as one of the very best nose tackles in the league. Like Davenport, he’s physically a perfect fit for Glenn’s defense–if he’s healthy.

The Lions need them, to be blunt. The backup options, while not awful, just don’t provide the same level of impact or reliability. In the case of Davenport, his two primary backups, Josh Paschal and James Houston, each have some unfortunate injury histories of their own.

Cornerback Carlton Davis has also been in the training room a lot during his six seasons in Tampa Bay. He’s never played in more than 14 games in any season, including missing five in 2023 with various injuries (concussion, groin, toe). Davis also missed some training camp time, though he returned looking just fine. Detroit has better depth at Davis’ outside cornerback spot, but he’s the top dog and a veteran leader who makes players around him better.

Those are the three biggest veteran additions to the Lions defense. All are being counted upon to help Detroit’s D rise up the rankings and become a force of its own. If the Lions can get 15 games each out of Reader, Davenport and Davis, that’s fantastic. Alas, it might be unrealistic given their histories.

Dan Campbell offers injury updates on the Lions defenders on the PUP list

Dan Campbell offers injury updates on Lions defenders Brian Branch, Marcus Davenport and DJ Reader on the PUP list

The Detroit Lions have three key defensive players starting training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Projected starters Brian Branch, Marcus Davenport and DJ Reader are all idle to start the summer sessions.

Based on Dan Campbell’s press conference to kick off the training camp on Wednesday morning, none of the conditions seem like long-term concerns for the Lions.

Campbell indicated that Branch and Davenport would be working out in the walkthrough portion of practice on Wednesday. That’s a sign they are very close to ready to roll.

“We feel like everybody’s really doing well,” Campbell said. “On schedule for where we pictured them to be.”

Reader, the team’s top defensive tackle addition, is coming off a torn quadriceps that he suffered in December last year while playing with the Bengals. He needs a little more time, something Campbell indicates the Lions are perfectly willing to give him.

“We’re not in any hurry with him,” Coach Campbell stated. “But he’s doing well, getting his strength back. The injury is healed. It’s just a matter of getting him to that point where now we feel comfortable getting him out there and competing.”

Campbell added that “Davenport is a little closer than Branch is” to being cleared off the PUP list.

Brian Branch among 3 defensive vets placed on PUP list to start Lions training camp

All 3 are coming off injuries in the 2023 season and can be activated at any time

The veteran portion of training camp for the Detroit Lions doesn’t kick off officially until Tuesday, but the team already made some roster tweaks on a few key defensive players.

Defensive back Brian Branch was one of three players placed on the physically unable to perform list ahead of training camp. Branch had offseason surgery on an injured ankle and was in street clothes throughout OTAs and minicamp.

Free agent signees DJ Reader and Marcus Davenport were also placed on the PUP list to start camp. Reader is coming back from a torn quadriceps, while Davenport’s 2023 season ended early with a high ankle sprain.

All were placed on the active PUP list, meaning they can be activated at any time before the regular season.

The Lions also placed fourth-round rookie Giovanni Manu on the non-football injury list. He is also eligible to be activated for duty at any time.

Lions defensive line depth could be the strength of the defense

Lions defensive line depth could be the strength of the defense, notes Lions Wire’s Russell Brown

As we all await for the Detroit Lions season to get started, it’s fun to look at their schedule, depth chart and speculate the potential of the season. When looking at the Lions defense, it’s hard to look past their defensive line. The depth from this unit runs deep and the 53-man roster could easily see 10-to-12 players from the defensive line on it.

The projected starters are currently:

  • Aidan Hutchinson
  • D.J. Reader
  • Alim McNeill
  • Marcus Davenport

But as we’ve seen under Aaron Glenn’s defense, the Lions use players up front on a situational basis. The key depth players could be the following:

  • John Cominsky
  • Josh Paschal
  • Levi Onwuzurike

It’s expected that a player such as Brodric Martin could really take a big step forward this season. He appears to be in much better football shape than he was a season ago and if Reader or McNeill struggle with any type of injury, he could be the next man up.

Adding to that, the Lions added Mekhi Wingo from LSU in the 2024 NFL Draft. Recently, I discussed him as a potential underrated player to the Lions defense so we’ll need to see what he does in a situational role for the team.

That alone gives the Lions nine defensive lineman that should see the field on a consistent basis. The wildcards of the group are James Houston, Kyle Peko and Mathieu Betts.

Starting with Betts, he’s coming off an 18-sack season in the CFL and not only did it earn him a contract with the Lions but it also helped him win the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award. While he is 29-years old, I’d have to think he should find a spot on the roster but nothing is guaranteed. He was brought onto the roster to compete and my guess is that he’s here to compete with James Houston.

Things are interesting with Houston. He broke his ankle in week 2 last season and was placed on injured reserve. Despite being activated off the IR in January of 2024, the Lions never played him. Houston did have 8 sacks as a rookie and he does provide plenty of juice off the edge. However, comments from Dan Campbell last season makes me wonder if he’s a player on the bubble this summer.

Lastly, the expectations shouldn’t be overly high for Kyle Peko. He’s got familiarity with Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams but he’s primarily been a rotational player in his career. With the Lions already having depth on the interior, he could be the odd man out this summer.

Regardless, the Lions have a deep roster of defensive lineman. With any down and distance, we could see any combination on the field. Those combinations should play to the strengths of the defense and it could be the difference maker to help this unit stay more consistent for the 2024 season.

Three underrated defenders for the Lions defense

Three underrated defenders for the Lions defense that could shine in 2024, from Lions Wire’s Russell Brown

With the Detroit Lions and several other teams having mini-camps and off-season workouts over the last few weeks, it opens the door for predictions on each teams roster.

For the Lions, there’s a belief that their team has gotten better this off-season. I would agree with that, specifically with their defense. By adding Ennis Rakestraw and Terrion Arnold, they appear to have a long-term plan at cornerback for the first time in a long time.

Those aren’t the only two players the Lions have added to their defense. There are several other defenders that they’ve drafted and signed or traded for in free agency. Let’s take a look at three defenders that are underrated right now but they could have a huge impact this season for the Lions!

DL Mekhi Wingo

Drafted in the 6th round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Wingo adds depth to the Lions revamped defensive line. Despite being undersized as an interior defensive lineman, Wingo provides power and versatility for the Lions.

At the Scouting Combine, Wingo put up 225 pounds a total of 25 times and it shows on tape with his ability to bull-rush offensive lineman. Additionally, he played in multiple spots along the LSU defensive front. In his 22 games played for the Tigers, he was able to compile 71 tackles with 11 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.

Even though Wingo may not contribute right away, there could be an opportunity for him to have a serious role later in the season for Detroit. There’s some uncertainty on what role Levi Onwuzurike will have but he’s also dealt with injuries early in his career. In addition to his injuries, the health of D.J. Reader could be a factor as he’s dealt with consecutive seasons with torn quads.

Lastly, what type of season will the Lions get from Brodric Martin? He arrived at camp this year in shape and looks much stronger from his rookie season. Meanwhile, he appears to be motivated by Lions veterans of Alim McNeill and D.J. Reader. But if an injury occurs or a player’s conditioning comes into question, I could see a path for Wingo to carve out a role this season.

After all, the Lions lost Benito Jones to the Miami Dolphins in free agency and he played 567 defensive snaps (51.92%) last season. Even though he probably won’t eat up all those snaps, there could be more contribution from Wingo than originally expected. With that, he could be one of the more underrated defenders on the Lions roster.

CB Amik Robertson

Adding to the list of underrated players, we could see a scenario where Amik Robertson rarely leaves the field for Detroit. Signed on a two-year deal, Robertson brings experience and an aggressive style of play to the Lions defense that will be coveted.

Last season, he started in 12 games for the Raiders and he played 675 defensive snaps (59.58%). Over the last two seasons, he’s started 19 games and has only allowed 78 receptions during that span.

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Much of the reasoning to why Robertson may rarely leave the field is due to my thought of the Lions playing more nickel and dime packages than they have in the past. They have more depth in their secondary than year’s past but they’ve also got two rookie cornerbacks that could ease into their roles. Especially Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

In addition to this, the Lions defensive snap leader a season ago was Cameron Sutton with 1,077 snaps (98.6%). Sure, they traded for cornerback Carlton Davis but if there’s any type of injury to Davis, that makes Robertson that much more valuable. Look for him to be overlooked but don’t be surprised if he has strong contributions to the defense.

EDGE Marcus Davenport

Now this one may be a stretch but if Marcus Davenport can stay healthy, he should be able to produce at a relatively high level for Detroit. After all, he’s not the first defensive end the Lions have spent a one-year contract on for them to earn another contract with the team.

John Cominksy and Charles Harris are perfect examples of that.

While the Lions have since moved on from Charles Harris, he did play 292 defensive snaps (26.74%) last season. Meanwhile, John Cominsky played 569 defensive snaps (52.11%) last season. If healthy, it wouldn’t be surprising if Cominsky and Davenport split those snaps.

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For Davenport, he only played 118 snaps last season and was placed on injured reserve after suffering a high ankle sprain in week 6. If there’s anyway he can tap into the player that he used to be, we’ll see a defensive end that plays well laterally but is also able to turn speed-to-power consistently.

When he’s able to do that, the results are there. From 2018 to 2021, he compiled 21 total sacks. We should all remain hopeful that Davenport can become that player once again. Especially since he’ll be paired with defensive end Aidan Hutchinson for most of this season.

 

New Lions DT D.J. Reader might not be ready to start training camp

Head coach Dan Campbell indicated Lions DT D.J. Reader might not be ready to start training camp as he recovers from a torn quadriceps.

With mandatory minicamp wrapping up on Thursday, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell provided a bit of a health update on a couple of free agent signees who have been out with injuries.

Most notably, Campbell offered the first real sense of a timeline for defensive tackle D.J. Reader. Signed as a priority early in the free agency process, Reader is still recovering from a torn quadriceps that ended his 2023 season with the Cincinnati Bengals.

“Yeah, I would say Reader would be the one who – he’ll be a decision on at what point is he ready to start practicing,” Campbell said of the projected starter. “But that’s not something that we’re caught off guard by. We knew this would take a minute here. I would anticipate everybody else to be pretty close to ready, if not it’s going to be tight. It’ll be enough to where they’re going to get a really good amount of training camp work, if that makes sense.

So no, there’s nobody that I’m alarmed by. I would say Reader is probably the one that’s going to take a minute.”

Earlier this offseason, Reader talked optimistically about his recovery. It’s the same injury he suffered in 2020. Reader suffered this latest injury in mid-December, which puts him at a little over six months out. With training camp starting in another seven or so weeks, that gives Reader almost eight full months of recovery.

Campbell indicated that every other currently sidelined player should be “pretty close to ready” to start training camp. That list includes CB Emmanuel Moseley, LT Taylor Decker, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, DB Brian Branch, S Kerby Joseph and EDGE Marcus Davenport.