Dan Campbell is (still) trying hard to be optimistic about Marcus Davenport
Edge rusher was a clear need for the Detroit Lions last offseason, but in free agency they merely opted to bring Marcus Davenport back on another one-year deal. If he can stay healthy, which brings recollections of a famous Michael Jordan quote ("if 'if' was a fifth, we'd all be drunk"), Davenport could be the force that was needed opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Weeks after the move to re-sign him, Lions head coach Dan Campbell naturally chose the optimistic view of what Davenport can offer after he missed most of last season with a torn tricep.
"I think as long as he's willing to make another push, believes that he can get this done and we feel like the rehab and everything has gone well, we think this’ll heal,"
To put it simply, despite his protest to being labeled that way, Davenport is injury-prone. Now into his eighth NFL season, he has played more than 500 defensive snaps once in his career. Over the last two-and-a-half seasons, he has played eight games.
Davenport has been out since suffering a chest injury against the Chicago Bears in Week 2. He was placed on IR, so he is past the minimum four games he needed to miss. There's no concrete idea about when he'll be able to return, but he's not been declared out for the year.
Dan Campbell continues to try to be optimistic about Marcus Davenport
Some injured Lions players surely benefited from the bye week, even if some are still uncertain for Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings. Campbell did not offer an update on Davenport when he spoke to reporters on Monday, so on Tuesday he was asked about the veteran edge rusher.
"Nothing new on Davenport. He is improving, but I can’t give you a definitive ‘this is when he’s going to be back.’ I’m just very confident he is going to be back. We’re going to get him back here,” Campbell said.
Oftentimes, Campbell's tone of voice and mannerisms clearly say what his words don't. When Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network asked him if he had a timeline for Davenport's return....well, judge for yourself.
Coach Campbell gives updates on Marcus Davenport and Sione Vaki pic.twitter.com/47s9Ey6uEG
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 28, 2025
That doesn't look like someone who is "very confident" about when, or possibly if, Davenport will be able to play again this season. The nature or extent of his chest injury is not entirely clear, so there's some reasonable benefit of the doubt there. Campbell won't, and shouldn't, make any declarations publicly one way or the other until he absolutely has to.
But as November approaches, it's coming to a point where Davenport is truly improving to the point he can play and produce, or he's not. Campbell might be the only one with any optimism about what the former first-round pick can contribute, and even his seems to be fading.
Cubs Urged to Trade for, Pay Orioles All-Star After Kyle Tucker Leaves
The Chicago Cubs could have a busy offseason ahead. Kyle Tucker is hitting the open market, and if the Cubs lose him, they may need to make some moves to replace his production.
Tucker is expected to sign a lucrative contract that could reach north of $400 million in total value. If the Cubs are unwilling to go that high, the team could spend elsewhere. FanSided’s Chris Landers urged the Cubs to acquire and pay Baltimore Orioles All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman.
“The Cubs have the luxury of being just about locked in at every position on the diamond - except, that is, for catcher, where Carson Kelly started off strong before disappearing down the stretch this season,” wrote Landers. “It’s a spot crying out for an upgrade this offseason, and while the free-agent market is thin on impact names (outside a declining JT Realmuto), the trade market features one heck of a buy-low opportunity in Rutschman.”
Tucker had an .841 OPS and 22 home runs in what was considered a down year. The Cubs will have to find a way to replace that production, and the catcher position could use an upgrade. Carson Kelly posted a .761 OPS and had a solid season. However, Rutschman is a two-time All-Star and a Silver Slugger.
He had a down year this year and dealt with injuries. Additionally, the Orioles gave catcher Samuel Basallo a contract extension. After committing to an eight-year, $67 million extension with Basallo, Rutschman’s future may be in doubt. He did not have his best year, but he still has the potential to be an elite player. The Cubs could ink him to an extension while the price tag is low.
