After picking up 15 wins in the regular season on their way to the NFC’s No. 1 seed, the Detroit Lions were able to forego the wild-card round and skip straight to the divisional round.
An offense with Pro Bowl talent across the board was the driving force behind Detroit’s success throughout the season. In fact, the Lions held the league’s No. 1 scoring offense this season, averaging 33.2 points per game, the highest mark of any team since the 2019 Ravens during Lamar Jackson’s first MVP campaign.
Many would describe the Detroit offense as overwhelming, with that reputation largely being built up by their dominant running back tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Also known as “Sonic and Knuckles”, this duo makes up the most talented and versatile backfield in the NFL.
Over the last few weeks, it’s been a one-man show, though. Montgomery has been dealing with a knee injury, leaving Gibbs to carry the load by himself. However, there’s some optimism that Montgomery will be able to return for Detroit’s playoff push.
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Is David Montgomery playing this week? Injury update for Detroit RB
After leaving the game in Week 15 with a knee injury, it was revealed that Montgomery was dealing with an MCL issue. Initially, it was feared that the injury would require surgery and Montgomery would be lost for the season.
The Lions opted to get multiple opinions on Montgomery’s knee which provided new hope for a potential return during the playoffs. Montgomery avoided the IR but has been unable to take the field since Week 15.
Heading into the divisional round, head coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism in regards to Montgomery’s availability.
More Lions injuries: Campbell said he expects to have David Montgomery for the Lions’ first playoff game. He said Lions got positive news on Terrion Arnold and Kevin Zeitler, so so positive on Pat O’Connor.
Also said Derrick Barnes and Carlton Davis won’t be back for Super Bowl.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 7, 2025
Further optimism is warranted after Montgomery practiced in full to open the week on Tuesday afternoon.
Two big injury updates for the #Lions during today’s (estimated) practice:
— RB David Montgomery (knee) was a full participant.
— CB Terrion Arnold (foot) was a full participant.— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2025
Given his full practice participation, all signs are pointing towards Montgomery taking the field on Saturday evening alongside Gibbs and the Detroit offense.
Lions RB Depth Chart
| Lions RB Depth Chart | |
|---|---|
| Rank | Name |
| 1 | Jahmyr Gibbs |
| 2 | David Montgomery |
| 3 | Craig Reynolds |
If Montgomery is unable to play, expect to see Gibbs take the vast majority of the work in Saturday’s must-win game. Third-stringer Craig Reynolds would likely come on to spell Gibbs here and there, but Gibbs would likely be a one-man wrecking crew in Montgomery’s absence.
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