Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions has repeatedly told reporters this year that he likes the team’s depth at edge rusher. That depth will be tested in Week 3 on the road against the Baltimore Ravens.
Campbell notified the media Saturday that defensive end Marcus Davenport will very likely not play Monday night. But when asked about the team’s depth behind Davenport, the Lions head coach again expressed his confidence.
“Yes, we do. I feel good about the depth,” said Campbell.
Davenport didn’t practice Thursday or Friday because of a chest injury. Campbell stopped short of completely ruling out Davenport for Week 3. He also indicated the veteran defensive end will not miss the rest of the season.
But the head coach suggested Davenport could be dealing with a multi-week injury.
“Yeah, I don’t see Davenport playing. 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.”
Veterans Tyler Lacy, Tyrus Wheat Could Play for Dan Campbell’s Lions in Week 3
Eight-year veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad is likely to see the biggest increase in snaps without Davenport available during Week 3. Of course, the Lions will also lean even more heavily on 2023 Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson.
But before the regular season began, the Lions added fellow defensive linemen Tyler Lacy and Tyrus Wheat through waivers. Lacy spent the preseason with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Wheat was previously with the Dallas Cowboys.
Either defender or both could potentially make their Lions debut in Week 3.
“We like those guys. It’s one of reasons we acquired them. Those guys wanted to be here, and they’re getting opportunities. We’re giving everybody opportunities to see what they can do, and yes, they fit right in with us,” Campbell said. “I think they understand our system. They’re not as polished as everybody else necessarily because, you know, our guys have been here. They’ve been in this system for a while, but yet, they’re getting it, and every day, they get better and better and better.
“So we like our options.”
Wheat appeared in 20 games for the Cowboys from 2023-24. He posted 17 combined tackles, including one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit while playing 196 defensive snaps.
Lacy started eight games for the Jaguars last season. He has registered 37 combined tackles, including three tackles for loss, four quarterback hits and one pass defense in 28 NFL contests.
Another Weekend Update Coming on Lions’ Marcus Davenport?
The Lions could turn to Wheat and/or Lacy for as long as Davenport will be sidelined. It’s possible the team will know Davenport’s return timeframe before kickoff versus the Ravens.
“I think we’ll have a good idea of the timeline either today or tomorrow,” Campbell said of the next potential update with Davenport.
The Lions are also waiting for the return of fellow defensive end Josh Paschal. But it’s not clear when that could occur.
“All I can tell you is he is improving. That’s the best I can tell you,” Campbell said of Paschal on Saturday.
Paschal started a career-high 10 games for the Lions in 2024. He recorded two sacks, eight quarterback hits and five tackles for loss in 14 contests overall.
Lions’ Dan Campbell Offers Blunt Response on Edge Depth After Davenport Update