New Orleans Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport had to amputate part of his left pinky this offseason following breaking a plate from a previous surgery and contracting an infection, he told ESPN.
The 25-year-old hopes to be fully recovered before training camp following having his finger and shoulder operated in January.
Davenport said the finger condition has been an ongoing problem since he first tore his ligaments in a 2016 bowl game during his junior year of college. Davenport decided to address the issue in 2021 as the finger’s condition continued to deteriorate. He underwent three more surgeries before finally having his finger amputated.
The 2018 first-round pick isn’t concerned regarding the impact the amputation will have on his game. He got used to playing with a crooked finger. The defensive end had nine sacks in 11 games last season, a personal best.
The pass rusher has missed multiple games since 2018 due to numerous complaints.
Davenport is entering the final year of his rookie contract following the Saints pulled his fifth-year option, which will net him $9.5 million next season.