The Detroit Lions were dealt an additional injury blow in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills when running back David Montgomery suffered an injury to the MCL in his right knee. A multi-week absence was certain, and there was a chance his season was over.
But Montgomery was able to avoid season-ending surgery after getting multiple medical opinions, choosing to rehab the injury and keep the door open for a return in the playoffs.
Last Tuesday, head coach Dan Campbellsimply said “I do. I do.” when asked if he expected to get Montgomery back for the Divisional Round. With a very light week coming due to the bye, there wasn’t much Campbell could’ve or even should’ve said.
David Montgomery update: Lined up to play vs. Commanders
After three days off, the Lions got back to work on Monday. Speaking to reporters, with the clear insinuation it’s happening unless he said otherwise, Campbell was asked what it’ll mean to get Montgomery back.
“It’ll mean a lot. 5’s a big part of us. He’s a huge part of us. And to me, he’s a bell cow. He’s a tone-setter. He’s a catalyst. There’s a place for him here, so there will be a place for him in this game,” Campbell said. “It’s going to be good to get him back.”
That’s as close to a full confirmation as Campbell can give right now to say Montgomery will play against the Washington Commanders on Saturday night. This week’s practice reports should only solidify that.
Jahmyr Gibbs thrived in the lead back role for the Lions without Montgomery, topping 100 rushing yards in all three games Montgomery missed with 487 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns. But “Sonic” is not quite the same without “Knuckles”, and if not for his injury Montgomery (775 rushing yards) would’ve had a solid chance to put the duo in some rare historical air as a pair of 1,000-yard rushers on the same team in the same season.
But barring something unforeseen, Montgomery will be back in action for the games that count the most as the Lions attempt to complete a run to the Super Bowl. Compared to when it looked like he could’ve been done for the season about a month ago, having a “tone-setter” back in the fold is great news.
