Though Marcus Davenport is entering his eighth NFL season and was a former first-round pick, the Detroit Lions’ EDGE rusher has only appeared in 67 of 112 possible career games, with just 35 starts. Since being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2018, his NFL journey has been repeatedly derailed by injuries. Can the Lions depend on Davenport to stay healthy in 2025?

Davenport’s talent is not in question. He’s proven to be an impactful defensive force, racking up 43.0 sacks during his career. He’s taken down QBs like Jameis Winston, Matt Ryan, Teddy Bridgewater, and Jared Goff during Goff’s Rams tenure. His best year came in 2021 with 9.0 sacks and 39 tackles. That same season, per PFF.com, he posted the fourth-best win rate (18.3%) and ranked 10th in pressure rate (9.1%).

Still, durability remains his biggest concern. Davenport has missed 45 career games. In contrast, fellow 2018 draft EDGE Josh Sweat has played in 104 games (64 starts). While Davenport went 14th overall, Sweat was a fourth-rounder. Davenport’s numbers—151 tackles, 81 solo stops, 27 TFLs, 64 QB hits, 23.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles—are impressive despite limited games. But Sweat has 237 tackles, 43.0 sacks, 11 pass breakups, an interception, and seven forced fumbles.

Is Davenport injury-prone, unlucky, or just fragile? Lions defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers believes it’s bad luck. He explained, “Some of his injuries are just freaky. I watched a few games before his last one, and he was dominant.” Rodgers remains optimistic about what Davenport can bring.

At UTSA, Davenport was remarkably healthy, compiling 186 tackles (100 solo), 37 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks, eight pass deflections, six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He even scored on one. As a senior, he earned Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year.

Davenport’s injury woes began in New Orleans in June 2018 with thumb surgery. In 2019, he injured his foot in December and landed on IR. A shoulder injury in 2021 again placed him on IR for five weeks. His injury timeline only grew from there.

By June 2022, Davenport confirmed undergoing five surgeries during that offseason. He had two shoulder procedures, three hand surgeries, and even lost part of his pinky—an injury that dated back to college. He missed 17 games in New Orleans before the team moved on.

Despite his history, Davenport remained a free agent target due to his upside. He signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Vikings in 2023. Unfortunately, a high ankle sprain in Week 6 landed him on IR. He only played four games, and Minnesota chose not to re-sign him.

The Lions brought him aboard in March 2024 on a one-year, $10.5 million deal, hoping he’d pair with Aidan Hutchinson to form a fierce pass rush duo. But in Week 2 against Arizona, Davenport tore his triceps, ending his season prematurely once again.

Still, the Lions believe in his potential. GM Brad Holmes re-signed Davenport in 2025 on a one-year, $3.65 million contract with incentives that could bring the total to $4.75 million if he meets performance goals. It’s a calculated gamble.

Fully aware this could be his last chance, Davenport is focused on staying healthy. One major change: he’s bulked up. Weighing just 218 lbs. during the 2018 draft, he’s added muscle and now weighs 285 lbs. The added mass may help his durability through a deep playoff run.

Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is encouraged by Davenport’s offseason. In a recent Sports Illustrated interview, Sheppard noted Davenport’s changed mindset and his aggressive approach during OTAs. “He’s training like he plans on playing in November and December,” Sheppard said.

He added, “Marcus is a physical freak who can do things guys his size shouldn’t be able to. He’s pushing himself and not holding back.” That mix of size and skill is why Detroit’s coaches are still banking on his return to form.

Rodgers is personally committed to helping Davenport stay on the field. Whatever it takes—training, rehab, technique tweaks—he’s fully supporting the veteran EDGE. The Lions are hoping this hands-on approach can unlock consistent production.

When healthy, Davenport can be disruptive and dominant. In 2021, he earned a strong 81.0 pass rush grade from PFF.com. The issue has never been talent—it’s availability. If he can stay healthy, Detroit may finally see their investment pay off.

GM Brad Holmes believes in his potential and made another bet. If Davenport can finally stay on the field, it could be one of Holmes’ smartest risks yet, with massive upside for Detroit’s defense in 2025.