The Chicago Bears signed Marcus Davenport late in the preseason, hoping to bolster their defensive line ahead of the season. This meant he wouldn’t play immediately. He’d need time to get his conditioning up to speed and reacquaint himself with Dennis Allen’s defense. After three games on the practice squad, the Bears finally elevated him to the main roster for Sunday’s matchup against the New York Jets. He ended up playing 12 total snaps, rushing the passer 6 times. He put pressure on quarterback Geno Smith, leading to an incompletion.
It felt like a promising debut. Hopefully, he could provide more as he got his legs fully under him. So you can understand the shock when news broke that the Bears had released Davenport from the practice squad. It was a bizarre turn of events, made all the more puzzling when further word emerged that Davenport himself had requested the release. The Bears granted it. He is once again a free agent. What isn’t clear at this point is what compelled the veteran pass rusher to do it.
Two possibilities explain why Marcus Davenport departed.
The first and most plausible at this stage is playing time. Davenport is used to being a regular starter, or at the very least a rotational pass rusher. Getting 12 snaps in his debut probably wasn’t what he was hoping for. That alone isn’t the issue. It is likely the imminent return of Shemar Turner. Chicago activated the practice window for their former 2nd round pick on September 23rd. Usually, it takes around two weeks for a player to be determined ready to go, and Turner is approaching that mark. Perhaps Davenport felt the team planned to get the younger player involved right away, which would eat further into the little playing time he’s gotten.
Then again, it’s important to remember that he was on the practice squad. Marcus Davenport wasn’t in danger of having that spot taken. The Bears would’ve likely kept him around and still found ways to get him involved. Leaving the team like that when there hasn’t been much interest elsewhere feels puzzling. That is why there is another possibility in play: health.
🔥 Subscribe to the Untold Chicago YouTube channel to hear Chicago legends tell stories you’ve never seen in headlines — real moments, real experiences, straight from the athletes themselves.
Davenport has battled a litany of injuries throughout his NFL career. It got especially bad over the past three seasons, during which he missed 37 total games due to multiple ailments. It feels like that experience on Sunday against the Jets, even in such a small dose, convinced him that his body can’t do it anymore.
His exit at least cements one thing.
Unless Turner suddenly starts playing really well upon his return, there is a strong possibility that the Bears will hunt for defensive line help at the trade deadline in a few weeks. There are certain to be some options available. Much will depend on the price tag. All one can do is wish Davenport well. He wasn’t around long enough for fans to form any attachment. You can only feel appreciative that he contributed to an important victory over the Jets, even in a small capacity.
Hopefully, he finds whatever it is he’s looking for. For now, the Bears’ setup at defensive end remains the same, with Montez Sweat, Austin Booker, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Turner likely to join them soon. It will be interesting to see if any further information emerges about what happened in the days that followed.
***************************UPDATE***********************************
It now appears that Davenport has decided to retire. This all but confirms that the decision to depart was likely health-related. It isn’t an uncommon occurrence. Older players suit up for a game, play, and suddenly realize their bodies aren’t up to it anymore.
