Lions Facing Troubling Development Before Ravens Game

First-year defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard — an in-house promotion after Aaron Glenn departed in the offseason to coach the New York Jets — may be facing a more difficult task after the Lions’ injury report surfaced on Friday.

“Lions LB Jack Campbell and LT Taylor Decker returned to practice Friday. Still no Marcus Davenport,” wrote The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy.

With edge rusher Marcus Davenport missing another practice, it appears more likely than ever that he will not be available for Monday’s matchup against Baltimore — creating a huge hole to fill on the edge.

Notably, Davenport’s injury was changed yesterday from a shoulder issue to his chest, raising concern that he may have sustained a pectoral tear and could be facing yet another lengthy absence. The 29-year-old defensive end’s ability on the field is never in question, as he’s always been able to disrupt the opposition’s quarterback and seal the edge — yet his availability has always been a question mark. Davenport has appeared in just eight total games over the past three seasons.

The Lions will likely turn to his backup Al-Quadin Muhammad, who received high praise from his star teammate Aidan Hutchinson for his ability to step in. “We have a really good relationship and with Marcus being uncertain for the future, it's going to be fun. We're going to get after it,” Hutchinson said (h/t Dave Birkett of Detroit Free Press).

The Lions’ defense is no stranger to playing shorthanded, as both Hutchinson and Davenport suffered season-ending injuries in 2024 — but Baltimore’s rushing attack is still as dominant as ever. The Ravens have rushed for 283 yards over the past two games, which ranks fifth in the league. Detroit will do its best to contain the offense on Monday and improve to a winning record.