Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is expected to play in the team’s divisional-round matchup next week, coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday, a surprise and welcome addition for the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

“I do,” Campbell said, short and to the point, when asked if he expects to have Montgomery back ahead of the team’s first playoff game.

Montgomery suffered an MCL injury in the Lions’ Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 15. It was initially feared Montgomery would need season-ending surgery. However, Montgomery sought a second opinion, then a third, Campbell said. The news was positive enough for both Montgomery and the Lions, who chose not to place Montgomery on injured reserve — instead letting him heal and rehab.

Behind the scenes, Montgomery has been telling his teammates he’ll be back for the playoffs, and Campbell’s comments on Monday confirmed as much.

Prior to the injury, Montgomery had been a key piece in the Lions offense, combining with Jahmyr Gibbs to form one of the NFL’s best backfield tandems. Montgomery, who signed a two-year, $18.25 million extension in October, tallied 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 14 games this season. This followed up a 2023 season where he totaled 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns.

In three games without Montgomery, Gibbs produced 487 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns as the lead back. He scored four touchdowns in Sunday’s win over the Minnesota Vikings, where Detroit clinched the NFC North and locked up home-field advantage in the NFC.

But Montgomery’s return makes the Lions a more diverse offense. Even if his workload is limited, Montgomery is plenty capable of handling short-yardage and goal-line opportunities. He’s another weapon in a loaded offense, and his presence in uniform on the sideline could offer an emotional boost to the team as they embark on a playoff run.