Former MN Vikings Defender Injured Again

The Minnesota Vikings defense showed out on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Of course it was Isaiah Rodgers’ near-flawless performance that stole the show.

Brian Flores has put his front seven in a position to wreak havoc, and that pays dividends for the secondary. Jonathan Greenard was a menace on Sunday, and he has led an exceptional edge rush since joining the team last season.

Before Greenard, Minnesota dabbled with Marcus Davenport, but they never got much of an experience. That’s because he was quickly hurt, and that has remained the case in the years since.

Marcus Davenport hits injured reserve for Detroit Lions

The New Orleans Saints made Marcus Davenport the 14th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He played 63 games (32 starts) for them over the course of five seasons. Not once was there a full season though, because he was often injured.

That was Minnesota’s experience as well. Davenport played in just four games (three starts) for the Vikings during his lone season in purple. He joined the Detroit Lions with an opportunity to play against Minnesota. That evaporated quickly last year, and now he’s back on injured reserve this season.

The #Lions have placed pass-rusher Marcus Davenport on Injured Reserve with a pec strain. He's out four games, but should be back quickly after that.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 22, 2025

Davenport was deemed unable to go for the Detroit Lions this week. Given they play the Monday night game, he can return as soon as Week 7. Ian Rapoport’s belief that he should be back soon after the minimum might be a bit presumptuous given his track record.

Last year Davenport played in just two games (one start) for the Lions. He started the first two games this year, but quickly hit the shelf again.

Since leaving New Orleans, Davenport has just 3.5 sacks in over two years of action. He has been paid nearly $20 million for that paltry level of production, and it’s worse when considering how often he remains off the field.

The Lions are scheduled to host the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9 at Ford Field. Davenport may have that game circled as his Super Bowl. It’s an opportunity for him to make a regular season statement. Then again, he’d have to get to a point where he can be healthy, and remain that way for a full game, before focusing on the opponent.

For Minnesota, there isn’t much to worry about when considering their afterthought of a former edge rusher. The current tandem of Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel already have three sacks this season.