Injuries tend to yield opportunity for others, and with defensive end Marcus Davenport (elbow/torn triceps) all but certainly out for the season that brings an opportunity for someone to step up as the edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson for the Detroit Lions.
The Lions could look to add someone from outside the organization to fill the void left by Davenport's absence. But that feels like a backup plan if internal options don't work out. There is time to make a move before the Nov. 5 trade deadline, or to sign someone, if the internal options don't step up in the coming weeks.
Head coach Dan Campbell has been consistently hesitant to talk about a particular player as a potential contributor, most recently in the light of filling the void with Davenport out. But he has prominently mentioned one player on that front, more than once already.
Josh Paschal has clear-cut opportunity with Marcus Davenport out
On Monday, Campbell was asked specifically about Josh Paschal having an opportunity to step up in light of Davenport likely being out for the season.
"I have a lot of faith, and this is – Paschal’s going to – this is going to be big for him," Campbell said. "He’s going to take a load over there now – and he played an outstanding game, by the way. He was another one, I thought he played really well yesterday, he was physical, continues to grow. So, we’re going to need him to step up and I have all the faith in the world that he will.”
During his appearance on 97.1 The Ticket Tuesday, Campbell again mentioned Paschal first when talking about how Davenport's absence will be accounted for.
"I would tell you this, Paschal's gonna take on a much bigger load...he and 'Hutch' are your ends", Campbell said,
The Lions drafted Paschal 46th overall in the 2022 draft. Recovering from sports hernia surgery, to repair an injury from late in his final college season, set his rookie season off-course from the start. Then a knee injury that cost him two games limited his role later. He missed five games in September and October last season due to a knee injury.
In three games this season, Paschal has played 53 snaps with one total tackle. Not denting the stat sheet doesn't mean he hasn't played well, and for what it's worth Campbell complemented his performance in Week 3 after reviewing the game tape.
Continued health will of course be a big key for Paschal as he takes on a bigger role. But it's time for the raw ability he has occasionally shown, and made him a top-50 overall pick, to translate to on-field impact. The opportunity is being laid in front of him, driven by the unfortunate circumstance of Davenport's injury, and he has to seize it; once and for all.