Detroit Lions DE Al-Quadin Muhammad on the importance of practice
Muhammad might have a bigger role for the Lions against the Baltimore Ravens if DE Marcus Davenport can’t play due to injury.
Lions coach Dan Campbell stated he does not believe Marcus Davenport’s injury is season-ending, though a return timeline is still being determined.Backup Al-Quadin Muhammad is expected to start in Davenport’s place.
The announcement was met with little surprise.
Yes, Dan Campbell declared, defensive end Marcus Davenport is not expected to play Monday against the Baltimore Ravens after sitting out practice the past two days.
But the Detroit Lions coach added that he didn’t believe the injury Davenport suffered last Sunday in a victory over the Chicago Bears is “season-ending.” Campbell revealed he didn’t yet know the timeline for his return, saying that it could become clearer “either today or tomorrow.”
“We’re still trying to decide what to do,” Campbell told reporters in Allen Park, Saturday, Sept. 20. “We’ve got some other tests back.”
Davenport, who missed the final 14 games of the 2024 season after suffering a triceps tear last September, was seen in the locker room Friday with his right arm in a sling.
Asked to provide an update on his status, he declined.
“I ain’t got nothing to say,” Davenport told the Free Press.
Davenport was previously spotted with a bulky ice pack affixed to his shoulder last Sunday after he hurt himself while sacking Caleb Williams in the third quarter. On the team’s official practice report, he was listed with a chest injury.
Al-Quadin Muhammad, a backup who joined the Lions last season and played 43 snaps in the first two games, is expected to start in Davenport’s place.
Muhammad is just one of two reserve edge rushers on the roster. The other, Tyrus Wheat, has yet to play a down since the Lions claimed him off waivers in late August.
Still, Campbell said, “I feel good about the depth.”
Contact Rainer Sabin at rsabin@freepress.com. Follow him @RainerSabin on X.