The Detroit Lions boast one of the NFL‘s best offenses, but they watched one of their most effective playmakers go down in Week 7.
Lions running back David Montgomery suffered a knee injury in the first quarter of Detroit’s matchup against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. Here’s the latest on Montgomery’s status.
What Happened to Lions RB David Montgomery in Week 7?
Mongomery was injured after handling a 3rd-and-1 carry with 4:33 remaining in the first quarter of Sunday’s game. The 27-year-old stayed down on the field after being tackled by Vikings defenders Harrison Phillips and Jonathan Bullard.
Montgomery required assistance leaving the field and couldn’t put much weight on his left leg.
David Montgomery is helped off the field with a leg injury. pic.twitter.com/MAJNQqTO3R
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 20, 2024
Montgomery was evaluated in the medical tent along Detroit’s sideline. He then moved to an exercise bike before jogging along the sidelines while trying to get loose.
The Lions initially announced that Montgomery was questionable to return with a knee injury. Fortunately, he only missed a single drive before returning early in the second quarter.
Montgomery ultimately finished the game with nine carries for 31 yards while also adding three receptions for 39 yards. He lost a fumble late in the game, but Detroit managed to win the nail-biter, 31-29. This was Montgomery’s first game without a touchdown this season.
Montgomery entered Week 7 leading Detroit with 351 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. With Gibbs and the NFL’s best offensive line, Montgomery and the Lions’ rushing attack rank second in EPA per rush (+0.14) and fourth in rushing yards per game (157.8).
Gibbs had out-snapped Montgomery heading into Sunday’s game (182 vs. 137). While Gibbs had received more targets in the passing game (18 vs. 10), Montgomery had received 11 more carries (75 vs. 66). However, Gibbs received 15 carries to Montgomery’s nine attempts in Week 7.
Few running backs have been as effective as Montgomery on a down-to-down basis. Among RBs with at least 50 carries this season, he ranks second in rushing success rate at 50.6% (NFL average: 40.1%).
Fantasy Implications of Montgomery’s Injury
Entering Week 7, Montgomery had rushed for a score in eight consecutive regular-season games and was averaging 17 touches per game this year.
With their two-back system, the Lions have been among the leaders in rush rate over expectation, so this would have been an offense-altering injury if it ended up being serious.
Fortunately, Montgomery returned to the game and seemed fine. Keep an eye on Detroit’s practice report throughout the week to make sure Montgomery is okay, but fantasy managers shouldn’t be worried about the veteran running back.