A week after his big debut, Vikings edge rusher Marcus Davenport is once again questionable heading into the weekend.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell told media Friday that Davenport along with Brian Asamoah and Nick Mullens are all questionable for Sunday’s game against the Chiefs.
Davenport had one sack, four tackles, one tackle for a loss and a QB hit in Sunday’s 21-13 win over the Panthers in his first extended game time since signing with Minnesota in the offseason. When asked how Davenport has handled 45 snaps Sunday, O’Connnell responded, “It’s been really positive, how he’s responded to playing that sort of snap count. He’s had a really good week of prep. It’s just about managing what we think he needs tactically to prepare. Make sure there’s technique and fundamentals with some of that time lost. He’s had a good week and hoping to have him on Sunday.”
If Davenport can’t go it would be a huge missed opportunity for the Vikings to get pressure on Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. Chiefs left tackle Donovan Smith has allowed 14 pressures this season, the same amount Vikings right guard Ed Ingram has given up. Davenport primarily featured as the edge rusher over the Panthers’ left tackle with Danielle Hunter rushing off the right tackle side.
KOC says Cine, Davenport, Asamoah and Mullens are questionable for the game vs Chiefs. Bradbury is a go. Davenport’s status is huge
— Matthew Coller (@MatthewColler) October 6, 2023
O’Connell also announced center Garrett Bradbury is set to play for the first time since suffering a back injury in Week 1. With Bradbury’s return the Vikings look set to have their full compliment of offensive linemen for the first time since the first quarter of the first game, and could even improve on it if Dalton Risner replaces Ingram in the starting right guard spot.
