The Detroit Lions suffered their first loss in over 90 days in Week 15, falling to the Buffalo Bills by a score of 48-42 at Ford Field. The final score doesn’t tell the full story, as the Lions were outmatched from the opening kick and trailed for most of the game. Detroit will look to bounce back in Week 16 versus the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

Though the Lions’ loss to the Bills on Sunday was disappointing, Dan Campbell’s squad is still having a fantastic 2024 campaign, boasting a 12-2 record through 14 games. Detroit’s elite record becomes even more impressive when you check the injured reserve list, as the team has 21 players on IR and received some bad news regarding star running back David Montgomery on Monday.

Head coach Dan Campbell announced on Monday that Montgomery will undergo season-ending knee surgery, as the 27-year-old suffered a torn MCL during Sunday’s defeat to the Bills but somehow finished the game.

Though Campbell stated that Montgomery’s surgery would be season-ending, the veteran running back spoke to the media at his coat drive in Detroit on Tuesday and stated that he hopes to play again this season, leaving the door open for a return.

Jahmyr Gibbs is an electric playmaker and should be able to carry the load as the workhorse back, but Montgomery’s impact on Ben Johnson’s offense is irreplaceable. The 2019 third-round pick has rushed for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024, and his immense power and physicality in the run game pair well with Gibbs’ dynamic skill set.

Montgomery signed a two-year extension with the Lions on Oct.12 and is under contract with Detroit until 2028. The former Iowa State standout has found a home in the Motor City and has quickly become a fan favorite. Let’s hope Montgomery can return to the lineup this season and aid the Lions in the playoffs.