Marcus Davenport of the Detroit Lions questionable for playing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
52-yard touchdown by Jameson Williams puts Detroit Lions in the lead
All-22 view of Jameson Williams’ 52-yard touchdown that gave the Detroit Lions a 17-3 lead over the Rams in Week 1 at Ford Field on September 8, 2024.
The Detroit Lions will get one of their best free agent signings back for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but another could be missing due to injury.
The Lions listed defensive end Marcus Davenport as questionable for Sunday after he suffered a groin injury in last week’s win over the Los Angeles Rams.
Davenport had half a sack and four quarterback hits while playing 49 of 78 defensive snaps, but did not finish the game. He declined Friday to provide an update on his injury or say whether he thinks he will be able to play Sunday.
Davenport missed most of last season with the Minnesota Vikings due to ankle surgery and has a long history of injuries, never playing a full season in his seven-year career.
MORE INJURY NEWS: Detroit Lions do not provide information on the injury status of Penei Sewell and Marcus Davenport against the Buccaneers
Nose tackle DJ Reader is on track to make his debut for the Lions on Sunday after missing last week’s game while recovering from a torn quadriceps tendon suffered last December against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Reader was a full participant in practice throughout the week and was not listed as injured on Friday’s injury report.
Josh Paschal, Mekhi Wingo and Levi Onwuzurike are among those who could play a bigger role against the Bucs (1-0) if Davenport is unable to play.
“The good news is we’re getting Reader back this week,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “I feel pretty good about him. So his return opens up a little more versatility for us on the D-line because (Kyle) Peko and (Alim McNeill), Levi and Paschal can all play anywhere from the nose to the three-technique to the big end. So they’ll all share a little bit of the load if Davenport can’t or can’t go.”
Right tackle Penei Sewell is questionable for Sunday after he returned to practice on a limited basis on Friday. Safety Kerby Joseph (hamstring) and receiver Jameson Williams (ankle) are also listed as questionable, while Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) and Isaiah Williams (abdomen) have been ruled out.
Dave Birkett is the author of the new book “Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline.” Pre-order now from Reedy Press.
Contact him at [email protected]Follow him on X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
