The Detroit Lions will once again be without the services of running back David Montgomery for Sunday night’s critical Week 18 showdown against the Minnesota Vikings.
Montgomery was thought to likely miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury he suffered against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15, and while he has not yet made a return, a postseason appearance could still be possible.
What Is David Montgomery’s Injury?
While Detroit’s heartbreaking loss to the Bills ended an 11-game winning 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 fourth-down 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 exit the game.
Eventually, reports emerged, courtesy of the ever-reliable Adam Schefter, about Detroit’s RB suffering an MCL injury that would end his season.
When Will Montgomery Return From Injury?
The initial verdict on Montgomery’s injury from head coach Dan Campbell spelled disaster for Detroit. According to Campbell, surgery was necessary, one that would keep Montgomery 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 18 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.
Montgomery May Be Ready for the Playoffs
The latest update on Montgomery is that a playoff return may come to fruition. Although there were rumors that Montgomery may be ready to play in Week 18 in a critical matchup against the Minnesota Vikings to decide the NFC North, the team is holding him out again, which may not be a bad idea.
The Lions have already clinched a playoff spot, and it might therefore be smarter not to risk him on Sunday.
Just before the holidays, Lions head coach Dan Campbell was optimistic about his running back’s return.
“Optimistic with a couple doctors that he saw,” Campbell said on Dec. 20. “I think we may see where this thing goes. We’ve still got a decision to make, because even if that is the case, it’s a matter of, do you put him on IR? Do you see how fast he might come back from it? But it certainly sounds more optimistic, is probably the best way to say it.”
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Montgomery will continue to go to rehab and try to be ready for next week’s playoffs: “He now is going to rehab with a realistic goal of being back for the Divisional Round of the playoffs.”
The Impact of Jahmyr Gibbs
Since Montgomery has been out, the Lions haven’t missed a beat with backup running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Gibbs has rushed for over 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, and the Lions haven’t really missed Montgomery that much. Campbell knows, however, that they shouldn’t overdo it with Gibbs.
“I think for (Gibbs) it’s going to be, we’ve got to use and maximize the reps that we have for him, and be careful that we don’t give him too much,” he said. “We’ve still got to be able to be smart with him, but we need him — we need him and that’s the trick. So, those other guys, Craig’s going to need to help us, which, he’ll be ready, and Vaki, potentially, as well.”
Gibbs has also had a huge impact coming out of the backfield catching the ball. The final decision will be up to the Lions on whether or not Montgomery will play. At this point, it looks like they may continue to hold him out.