Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reed have been sorely missed in the Detroit Lions’ starting lineup. The Lions’ pass rushing and secondary have suffered the most this season, although not to the detriment of the team’s record. They’re atop the NFC North at 6-3 ahead of Week 11, just waiting to get healthier ahead of a big December push.
The practice window was started for both Davenport and Reed ahead of the Lions’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles, meaning the team expects to get them back within the next 21 days. It’s unlikely that they both play right away, but with a few key NFC games coming up for Detroit, it’s better to let them get back up to speed before throwing them back out there against top competition.
Until then, Detroit continues to plug the holes left by the two defenders, and to some decent success.
While it’s unclear when either will be back on the field, Reed seems more than motivated to help out the Lions – especially since they will probably be without Terrion Arnold for Sunday Night Football.
“Me, I’m a gamer, so I’m ready, but that’s not my call. Obviously, they’re going to be smart about it, but if you ask me, I’m ready to play. That’s just my mindset,”
said Reed about his readiness, according to Will Burchfield of 97.1 FM.
Reed would be a huge addition to the Lions’ secondary alongside Brian Branch, as it currently looks like the team is going to trot out their Legion of Whom against Philadelphia. While they are the most recent Super Bowl champions, the Eagles aren’t the most formidable foe the Lions have coming up.
So, it would make sense if they decide to keep Reed and Davenport at bay until they’re 100 percent ready to go against the Green Bay Packers, for example. That’s the team’s biggest November contest by far.
Davenport, on the other hand, could help to add back some firepower behind Al-Quadin Muhammad, Tyrus Wheat, and Tyler Lacy. They’ve been more than serviceable next to Aidan Hutchinson, but the Lions clearly still need someone to get after the quarterback at a higher rate aside from Hutchinson.
A healthy defense could be the difference maker for Detroit as they charge towards capturing the 1 seed. Without a pass rush attack and a shutdown secondary, the Lions will be far too reliant on an offense that lives and dies by their offensive line, another unhealthy and questionable part of their team.
Indianapolis, IN — A Quarterback Controversy that Could Define a Dynasty
The Indianapolis Colts are humming along with a commanding 8-2 record, sitting atop the AFC South with a two-game lead, and currently holding the No. 1 seed in the AFC. While the season is far from over and seeding could change dramatically in the coming weeks, one thing is clear: the Colts have found something special this season. And much of that success can be attributed to a decision that seemed risky at the time—choosing Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback over the much-hyped Anthony Richardson.
Entering the 2025 season, the Colts were facing what many believed could be a major landmine in terms of quarterback play. Richardson, the team’s 2023 first-round draft pick, had experience in Shane Steichen’s system after playing under him for two years. With all eyes on Richardson as the next great hope for the Colts, it seemed like the most logical move to hand him the reins as QB1. But Indianapolis made a bolder decision.
The Bold Decision to Start Daniel Jones
Instead of going with Richardson, the Colts took a chance on Daniel Jones, whose career had been marked by struggles in New York with the Giants and a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings that didn’t leave a lasting impression. Jones had flamed out in New York, failing to live up to the potential that had once made him a first-round pick in 2019. But Indianapolis saw something in Jones that could work in their favor.
Through 10 games in 2025, it’s clear that the Colts made the right choice. Jones has been nothing short of terrific, showcasing poise, leadership, and a level of consistency that has allowed the Colts to thrive. He has breathed new life into a team that had been in search of stability at the quarterback position for years. His solid play has led Indianapolis to a top spot in the AFC, and while the season has a long way to go, the future is looking bright for the Colts with Jones at the helm.
The Anthony Richardson Dilemma: Could He Be on the Move?
Of course, the question remains: what about Richardson? His future in Indianapolis is now uncertain, and the Colts face a significant decision next offseason with the fifth-year option on his contract for 2027 looming. The speculation around Richardson’s future has already begun, and some analysts, like Billy Heyen of the Sporting News, suggest that Richardson could be traded sooner rather than later.
One potential scenario is a trade to the Carolina Panthers, where Richardson would join another former high-profile 2023 draft pick, Bryce Young. The Panthers’ decision to stick with Young as their starter despite his lackluster performance has drawn criticism, much like Richardson’s struggles in Indianapolis. Young has started 37 games over three seasons for Carolina, but his record of 11-26, combined with a quarterback rating of just 77.8 and a troubling 37-26 touchdown-to-interception ratio, has led some to question his future as the Panthers’ QB1. Could Richardson be the answer in Carolina? Some think a change of scenery might be just what both quarterbacks need, but at this point, Richardson’s future in Indianapolis appears increasingly uncertain.
The Long-Term Vision for the Colts
For Colts fans, however, the uncertainty surrounding Richardson’s future isn’t a major concern. Indianapolis has found its long-term quarterback in Daniel Jones, and that should equate to sustained success for years to come. While the Colts’ decision to start Jones over Richardson raised some eyebrows at first, it’s clear that the team’s leadership saw something in Jones that many others had overlooked. His ability to manage the offense, avoid mistakes, and make crucial throws when needed has allowed the Colts to remain atop the AFC South and firmly in the playoff hunt.
Whether Richardson stays in Indianapolis or moves on to another team, the Colts have made a decisive step forward in securing their quarterback situation. With Jones leading the way, Indianapolis looks poised to build a new era of success, one that could lead to long-term dominance in the AFC. And while the quarterback controversy around Richardson might continue to swirl, the Colts are content knowing they have found their man under center.