Is Demario Davis playing today? Full injury update for Saints durable linebacker

On Wednesday, the New Orleans Saints released a devastating injury report that had fans convinced the season was over. Starting center Erik McCoy had already been on injured reserve after a groin surgery, and several other key players were sidelined at practice with different injuries.

Amongst those players was Demario Davis, the veteran linebacker who’s still playing elite football. Unfortunately, he sustained a hamstring injury in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and missed every day of practice leading up to the Week 4 game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Fans were holding out hope he’d still be able to play, but unfortunately, New Orleans ruled him out for Sunday’s game.

Demario Davis won’t play in Week 4 vs. Falcons

Head coach and defensive play caller Dennis Allen understands how important having Davis on the field is, but that’s why he didn’t want to risk his long-term availability to have him in Week 4 against Atlanta. Allen was very honest with the media, saying the team wasn’t going to put anyone out there they feel like they’d be putting at risk if further injury. While certainly a hard choice to be without your leader, it’s the right choice considering the circumstances.

This is an unprecedented event for the 13-year veteran, who has never missed a game with injury in his lengthy NFL career. Davis did miss a Week 16 game in the 2021 season, but that was because of Covid, not a physical injury.

Throughout 13 seasons, Davis has been extremely durable, while also playing at a high level. From the New York Jets to the Cleveland Browns to the Saints, the two-time Pro Bowler has played in 197 regular season games.

Davis is now 35 years old, and everyone has been amazed he’s still playing at such an elite level. This missed game could be the start of his age inevitably catching up to him, but once he’s healthy, he should have plenty more to give to the Saints.

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