The Detroit Lions are facing a challenge. Their running back, David Montgomery, suffered an MCL injury in the recent game against the Buffalo Bills. This injury is a massive blow to a team that has been thriving on a solid ground game. What can the Lions do to find an effective replacement?

Finding a solid running back is critical, especially with the pressure to establish a powerful offensive strategy. The Lions have the potential to snag the perfect replacement, Royce Freeman, from the practice squad of their division rival, the Chicago Bears.

The Current State of the Lions’ Running Game

Heading into Week 16, the Lions have been ranked sixth in rushing offense in the NFL with 143.7 yards per game. Montgomery was a crucial part of that success, accumulating 775 rushing yards and tying for fourth in the league with 12 rushing touchdowns. His contributions played a vital role in the team’s 12-2 record.

Impact of Montgomery’s Injury

With Montgomery out for the remainder of the regular season, the Lions are in a tough spot. They love to establish a strong ground game, and losing a player of Montgomery’s caliber is sure to shake things up. This injury not only disrupts current gameplay but also affects the team’s morale as they head toward the postseason.

Suitable Replacements for Montgomery

While the Lions still have Jahmyr Gibbs as a dynamic running back, the organization prefers a committee approach in the backfield. This means they will likely search around the league for additional talent to bolster their rushing attack.

Why Royce Freeman is the Ideal Candidate

Enter Royce Freeman. He’s currently on the practice squad of the Chicago Bears, waiting for an opportunity. Drafted in 2018 by the Denver Broncos, Freeman has accumulated 1,792 rushing yards and has proven himself as a reliable running back with a knack for punching through defenses.

Freeman’s playing style mirrors Montgomery’s, as he can wear defenses down and maintain the flow of the ground game. Bringing him into the Lions’ backfield could mitigate the loss of Montgomery’s production.

Freeman’s Journey in the NFL

Freeman has suited up for several NFL teams including the Broncos, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Rams. His versatility and bruising running style have enabled him to adapt to different offensive schemes. If signed, he could replicate the impact Montgomery had before his injury.

Competition in the Current Roster

The Lions do have other options like Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki on board, but those guys haven’t seen much playing time. Introducing someone like Freeman would not only give Detroit an immediate answer but would also instill confidence in fans who are anxious about the postseason.

Timing and Seizing Opportunity

With the Bears out of playoff contention, now’s the time for the Lions to make a move. There’s the chance that Freeman could be elevated to the active roster given the injuries to D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. If this doesn’t happen, the Lions must act fast to claim him while they can.

Closing Thoughts

In summary, with David Montgomery’s injury, the Lions are at a crossroads. They need to find that right replacement to keep their rushing offense firing on all cylinders. Royce Freeman offers the perfect solution.