Detroit Lions DE Marcus Davenport doubtful vs. Buccaneers because of groin injury
The Detroit Lions are getting one of their top free-agent additions back for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but could be without another because of injury.
The Lions listed defensive end Marcus Davenport as doubtful for Sunday after he suffered a groin injury in last week's win over the Los Angeles Rams.
Davenport had a half-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 if he thought he'd be able to play Sunday.
Davenport missed most of last season with the Minnesota Vikings because of an ankle surgery and has a long injury history. He's never played a full season in his seven-year career.
MORE INJURY NEWS: Detroit Lions stay coy on injury status for Penei Sewell, Marcus Davenport vs. Buccaneers
Nose tackle D.J. Reader is on track to make his Lions debut Sunday after missing last week's game while recovering from the torn quad tendon he suffered last December with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Reader was a full participant in practice all week and was not listed with an injury designation 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 can't play.
"The good news is, we get Reader back this week," Lions coach Dan Campbell said. "I feel pretty good about that. So, him coming back now really opens up a little more versatility that we have at the D-line because really, between (Kyle) Peko and (Alim McNeill), Levi and Paschal, they can all play anywhere from the nose, three technique, to the big end. So, they’re all going to share that load a little bit if Davenport couldn’t – or is not going to be able to go.”
Right tackle Penei Sewell is questionable for Sunday after he returned to practice Friday on a limited basis. Safety Kerby Joseph (hamstring) and receiver Jameson Williams (ankle) also are listed as questionable, while Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) and Isaiah Williams (abdomen) were ruled out.
Dave Birkett is the author of the new book, "Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline." Preorder it now from Reedy Press.
Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions DE Marcus Davenport doubtful vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
