Marcus Davenport of the Minnesota Vikings is eligible to return off injured reserve this week but will be sidelined indefinitely after undergoing surgery.
On Monday, November 14, head coach Kevin O’Connell stated that Davenport had surgery to fix a left high ankle sprain he suffered in a win over the Chicago Bears on October 15. Davenport had been on the injured reserve list for four weeks and had surgery to mend his ankle at some time.
The Vikings anticipate Davenport’s return, but O’Connell is unsure when.
“Sometimes it’s a rest and recuperation period, and other times it’s a procedure,” O’Connell told the Star Tribune. “He will almost certainly be available at some point.” I’m not sure when that will occur. I’m not going to guess on it.”
Davenport was the Vikings’ largest offseason free agent signing, signing the former New Orleans Saints first-round choice to a one-year, $13 million deal. This season, Davenport has appeared in four games and recorded two sacks.
The Vikings’ defense suffered yet another setback in Week 11 when starting inside linebacker Jordan Hicks suffered a right leg injury that necessitated surgery.
Hicks was injured in the first quarter as he collided with teammate Cam Bynum. He returned to the field before exiting in the third quarter with what was initially classified as a shin contusion, according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.
The swelling in Hicks’ leg prompted the crew to transfer him to a local hospital. Doctors advised immediate surgery, classifying the injury as compartment syndrome, a disease in which swelling and pressure in a wounded location can lead to chronic muscle damage.
Hicks has been ruled out of this week’s primetime game against the Denver Broncos, according to O’Connell. The Vikings plan to sign Anthony Barr just hours after an update on Hicks, indicating he’s likely heading for a long-term recovery and a stint on the injured reserve list.
Fourth-year linebacker Troy Dye took over for Hicks against the New Orleans Saints last Sunday and is expected to start this week as Barr learns the defense.
On a one-year, prove-it deal, the Vikings bet on Davenport overcoming an injury history and having a strong season.
Davenport has never played more than 600 defensive snaps in a single season, and it is unlikely that he will do so with the Vikings. With only six games remaining in the season, he’s played 118 snaps.
Minnesota’s defense has improved in recent weeks, thanks to Danielle Hunter’s outstanding year and D.J. Wonnum filling in for Davenport.
Davenport’s return might provide the defense a boost in the final months of the season, but he has not been a consistent player during the team’s five-game winning streak.
