ALLEN PARK — Marcus Davenport’s time on the field has been anything but consistent.
Once a formidable pass-rushing partner alongside Cameron Jordan with the New Orleans Saints — the duo tallied 21.5 sacks in 2021 — Davenport’s career has since been derailed by injuries. The former first-round pick has appeared in only six games over the past two seasons.
In 2022, he underwent five surgeries during the offseason. A high ankle sprain sidelined him in 2023, and a torn triceps ended his 2024 season prematurely.
Now healthy and taking part fully in the early stages of Detroit Lions training camp, Davenport is focused on one simple goal: staying on the field.
“I’m trying to be available every day,” Davenport said Tuesday. “If I handle each day the right way, the games will take care of themselves.”
He and Pro Bowl pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson were expected to form one of the NFL’s top edge duos, but injuries limited them to just two games together last season. So far, both are fully active in training camp and are trending toward being Week 1 starters.
Davenport believes their differing styles complement each other — he sees himself as more structured, while Hutchinson plays with fluidity.
After so much missed time, Davenport knows availability is key to proving his value.
“I see pictures posted of me and when I repost them, I get all kinds of comments,” he said. “I don’t even want to say I’m forgotten, but you can’t really matter if you’re not available. Right now, I just have to handle each day and let my work speak for itself.”
In the opening days of camp, even without pads, Davenport has already made a strong impression. He was arguably the standout of Day 2, generating multiple pressures and sacks during drills. In one rep, he bulldozed past right tackle Penei Sewell and teamed up with Hutchinson for a sack on quarterback Jared Goff.
The talent is clearly still there — now it’s just a matter of staying healthy so Davenport can finally make a lasting impact in Detroit.