Chicago Bears: Pass rusher requests release from team

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Chicago Bears: Pass rusher requests release from team

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Oct 5, 2026 9:53 PM ET

The vibes should be high in the Chicago Bears locker room after they suffocated the New York Jets on Sunday to earn a 23-12 win and improve to 3-1 despite having a backup quarterback for their last two games.

One defensive lineman wanted out and got his request.

Depth issues for the defensive line had been a big storyline before the season. The Bears brought in Marcus Davenport in training camp to help boost the defensive line. He played under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen with the New Orleans Saints.

However, Davenport has been on the practice squad to start the season. He was elevated for Sunday’s game against the Jets, making his first game appearance of the season. He made one tackle on a total of 12 defensive snaps and one special teams play.

Per Courtney Cronin of ESPN, the Bears released Davenport on Monday at the defensive lineman’s request.

“After logging 12 snaps on defense against the Jets, Bears DT Marcus Davenport has been released from the practice squad, a move that was done at the player’s request,” Cronin posted on X.

Chicago Bears weren’t playing Marcus Davenport much

Detroit Lions defensive end Marcus Davenport (92) pressures Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, September 8, 2024.

Davenport, 30, was a first-round pick by the Saints in 2018. He earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors. He has 25 sacks in his NFL career.

During training camp, Allen thought Davenport could be a “disruptive player” if he stayed healthy.

“He’s always been a disruptive player,” Allen said. “The biggest thing for Marcus, and it’s been that way throughout his career, is his ability to be healthy and maintain his health,” Allen said. “But when he’s out there, he’s a disruptive force.”

Davenport appears to be leaving Chicago with his health intact. However, he didn’t seem to think he was a fit for a Bears team that has ambitions of making a run at the Super Bowl. He made eight appearances and seven starts for the Detroit Lions last season, but wasn’t getting on the field much for the Bears.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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