The duo of Sonic and Knuckles was critical for the Detroit Lions’ success this season. After exploding onto the scene last year, the Lions have been one of the best teams this season and are the current holders of the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
However, their success has come at a steep price. Week after week, more players are falling to the injury bug, especially on the defensive side.
But when they battled against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15, they suffered a massive blow on the offensive end as David Montgomery went down with a devastating injury. Now as they try to solidify their control over the top seed in the conference, what’s the status of Detroit’s star running back?
What Is David Montgomery’s Injury?
While Detroit’s heartbreaking loss to the Bills ended an 11-game win streak, it was also harsh on the team from an injury perspective. Most of all, losing Montgomery was too steep a price to pay for a team so heavily reliant on its offense.
On a 4th-and-4 conversion by Amon-Ra St. Brown in the second quarter, Montgomery came limping off the field. He remained on the sideline rather than exiting for the locker room.
Still, after the break, he went onto the field, trying to battle it out for his squad. Unfortunately, the situation was worse than anticipated, and he had to once again be taken off.
Eventually, reports emerged, courtesy of the ever-reliable Adam Schefter, about Detroit’s RB suffering an MCL injury that may even end his season.
When Will Montgomery Return From Injury?
The initial verdict on Montgomery’s injury, thanks to head coach Dan Campbell, spelled disaster for Detroit. According to him, surgery was necessary, one that would keep him out for the remainder of the season. Yet, four days later, fans got some euphoria-inducing news.
Thanks to a third opinion, Montgomery was looking to rehab the injury without surgery. As a result, a potential return as soon as the playoffs was on the horizon. Even though a return isn’t guaranteed, it does give the fan base and the team itself a sliver of hope to hold on to.
David Montgomery chose rehab over season-ending knee surgery, betting on a playoff return. @JayGlazer pic.twitter.com/9LRuIV5cJO
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 22, 2024
While a return in Week 17 is out of the question, the Divisional Round is the best-case scenario for the Sonic and Knuckles duo to reunite.
According to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, Montgomery decided to rehab his knee rather than undergo surgery, which is why he has a chance to return for the postseason.
How Has Montgomery’s Injury Impacted the Detroit Lions?
The duo of Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs were arguably the best ground game duo in the NFL. Thanks to them and an uber-efficient passing game courtesy of quarterback Jared Goff, the Lions were leading the league with 32.8 points per game while averaging the third-most rushing touchdowns with 1.6.
For his part, Montgomery was having an outstanding year, totaling 775 yards and 12 touchdowns, with another 341 yards receiving. The Lions dominated in their one game without Montgomery, winning 34-17 in a Week 16 clash against the Chicago Bears.
Without Montgomery, the onus fell on Gibbs to have a much bigger workload, and he did not disappoint. And for the first time in eight weeks, Gibbs crossed the 100-yard rushing mark in the contest. Gibbs totaled 154 scrimmage yards in the contest and scored a touchdown as well.
Even without Montgomery, Detroit had plenty left in the tank to have a spectacular game. But his return will be crucial for a deep playoff run, which makes Week 18 all the more important.
The Lions will face the Minnesota Vikings in one of the most highly anticipated and consequential matchups in recent regular-season history. The winner will hold the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, while the loser will fall to the No. 5 spot and travel on the road for Wild Card Weekend.
With Montgomery expected to return in the Divisional Round, a win for the Lions would ensure Detroit goes through the entirety of the playoffs with their full offensive arsenal. Additionally, having served their bye week all the way back in Week 5, some rest might be extremely crucial for one of the NFL’s most aggressive teams.