Up in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings, the Detroit Lions appear poised to leave Week 16 with an 11-4 record. However, they could also leave with an injury in the backfield. What happened to David Montgomery?
David Montgomery Update
After taking a 2nd-and-7 run for 11 yards early in the second quarter, Montgomery went to the sideline and did not return to the field until the final frame.
#Lions RB David Montgomery has had 0 touches in the 2nd half.
This was his last carry in the 2nd quarter.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 24, 2023
Montgomery lowered his head into Vikings LB Ivan Pace’s chest and was visibly slow to get up. It’s possible the team was simply being cautious with a possible concussion. Yet, with under 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Montgomery returned to the field and appeared good to go.
MORE: Detroit Lions Depth Chart
Montogmery has totaled 38 yards and a score on 13 carries, plus 14 yards on two receptions. However, rookie first-round RB Jahmyr Gibbs has outshined the veteran, taking his 13 carries for 76 yards and two touchdowns while adding 20 yards on four receptions.
The moment that took the football world by storm was Gibbs punching in a three-yard red-zone run — Montgomery’s area of expertise — leading many to believe he was seriously injured. Of course, the back saw the field on the following drive, although he took his first carry since returning for -2 yards.
Fantasy Fallout From Montgomery’s Potential Injury
Gibbs has been gradually earning the role of top back in Detroit, and that plan only figures to be accelerated as a result of this injury. He is a top-10 running back moving forward without much question, a status that could well be his even with an active Montgomery.
Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown already rank among the elite at their respective positions, and their standing as such is only solidified as a result of this injury. In addition to already elite target shares, their scoring equity ticks up without the goal-line back on the field.
The matchup with the Cowboys in Week 17 isn’t great, but you shouldn’t hesitate the Lions’ three skill guys that you’ve been banking on for most of this season.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe