With Jahmyr Gibbs sidelined by an injury on Sunday, the Detroit Lions were already thin at running back — and then David Montgomery appeared to suffer an injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. What happened to Montgomery, and what’s his latest injury status?
David Montgomery Injury Update
Montgomery took a second-quarter screen pass from Jared Goff for a 19-yard gain, but he was in pain after going down. The veteran back appeared to have injured his left shoulder, and Lions head coach Dan Campbell was among the staff who checked on Montgomery.
Although he was for a while, Montgomery was eventually able to get up and leave the field on his own. He was able to flex both arms but still appeared uncomfortable.
#Lions RB David Montgomery left the game with an apparent rib injury after landing on the ball at the end of this play.
Montgomery is questionable to return.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 15, 2023
Soon after leaving the field, Montgomery left for Detroit’s locker room. The Lions initially labeled him as questionable to return. Curiously, the club said Montgomery had a rib injury, not a shoulder issue.
X-rays on Montgomery’s ribs came back negative, as Pam Oliver reported during the FOX broadcast. Still. Montgomery did not return for the start of the second half.
Midway through the third quarter, Detroit officially ruled Montgomery out for the rest of the game.
After the game, Campbell confirmed Montgomery’s initial X-rays were negative but indicated the RB will undergo more tests on Monday. Still, it didn’t sound as though Campbell believes Montgomery is dealing with a long-term injury.
However, Montgomery is expected to miss time, as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reported on Monday. If Gibbs (hamstring) can’t return for Week 7, Craig Reynolds will become the Lions’ lead back.
MORE: Detroit Lions Depth Chart
Montgomery has been a workhorse over the past two weeks, taking 51 carries for 230 yards and four rushing touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers (both Lions wins).
Montgomery spent four seasons with the division-rival Chicago Bears before signing a three-year, $18 million deal with Detroit this offseason.
Fantasy Fallout From Montgomery’s Injury
The Lions were already thin at the running back position heading into their matchup with the Buccaneers, but an injury to Montgomery would instantly give Reynolds a huge fantasy boost for the remainder of this game.
Gibbs has missed the last two weeks with an injured hamstring but would potentially be first in line for an expanded role in the backfield if Montgomery misses any time in the coming weeks.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate
