Saints Linebacker Suits Up Despite '0% Chance' Given To Do So

New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis is a man of strong faith. A fact that played a large role in his ability to take the field Thursday night.

NEW ORLEANS -- Even during gut-wrenching losses, positives can be found. On Thursday, the New Orleans Saints got their positive before the opening kickoff when star linebacker Demario Davis was declared active despite being a gametime decision before taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Davis did not practice all week on the short turnaround from their Week 6 game against the Houston Texans and was listed as questionable on the final injury report.

Oct 15, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) looks on before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Davis shared a little bit of the process that eventually led to him playing on Thursday in his postgame presser. "A lot of people don't realized that last game I sustained an injury to my knee," Davis said. "Not to go into any details but, medically, there was a 0% chance that I'd be playing today. It was impossible. Literally. Medically if you looked at it, scientifically if you looked at it, it was impossible for me to be out here."

The All-Pro linebacker typically uses his platform following games to share the word of his faith. Especially considering that often times the postgame pressers take place on a Sunday where the players are not able to attend their respective houses of worship. Thursday's conversation however was a little different. Instead of Davis strictly encouraging others to follow in their faith, he shared how his own impacted his ability to be on the field with his teammates.

"I hadn't heard from God yet," Davis said. "Our team did a phenomenal job of giving every bit of information and checking in the diagnosis. But I hadn't heard from God. So I said 'We'll see.'"

And see he did. Davis, who head coach Dennis Allen said on Wednesday would be a true gametime decision, worked out before the game and found that not only he could play after all, but that he could do so with a clear mind because of what he felt. Or more appropriately what he did not feel.

Sep 10, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) celebrates tackling Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) in the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports

"I've got to praise our organization," Davis said. "Because they had to step out in faith to let me test it out this morning before the game. And I was able to go and test my knee before the game and I felt nothing. And I played in a game when there was a 0% chance."

A pretty remarkable development on a short week with just three days between matchups. To go a step further, not only was Davis on the field, but he made some key plays as well. Totaling 4 tackles on the day, he also had two big tackles for no gain that helped stymie some of the Jaguars' run game production including the first defensive play of the game.

While the questions fly around about the team's consistency, production and sometimes even buy-in. A story like this is a great reminder that there is no doubt players, even on struggling teams, will combat the impossible to take the field. Davis, who has dedicated himself to be a vessel for the message, showcased a shining example of what a leader will overcome in an effort to compete and be great.