The Detroit Lions are still deciding on whether to place running back David Montgomery (knee) on Injured Reserve, which would require him to miss at least four games. Head coach Dan Campbell said the team is "optimistic" about Montgomery's ability to return in the playoffs despite suffering an MCL injury in last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills. However, the team still has a decision to make on whether to put Monty on IR. "It certainly sounds more optimistic, that's the best way to say it," Campbell said. If Detroit puts him on IR before their game this Sunday against the division-rival Chicago Bears, Montgomery would not be available to play in the Lions' first playoff game, which might not be until the Divisional Round if the team secures the top overall seed in the NFC. The 27-year-old is out of play in fantasy leagues for the rest of the year, though, with Jahmyr Gibbs now set to take on an even bigger role.
David Montgomery Hoping He Can Return In The Playoffs
After Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) consulted with medical experts the last few days, sources are optimistic that he avoided a season-ending injury. Montgomery will rehab his MCL injury with the hope that he can return at some point in the playoffs. The 27-year-old will still miss the last three games of the regular season and is no further use to fantasy managers in redraft leagues that are still battling for a championship. The Lions will hold out hope that Monty can recover quickly and join them in the postseason, although there are no guarantees. If Detroit can secure the top seed in the NFC and a first-round bye, it would give Montgomery an extra week of recovery. In the meantime, Jahmyr Gibbs should see all the touches he can handle for the Lions the last three weeks of the regular season, with Craig Reynolds being sprinkled in. Gibbs is a must-start, high-end RB1 going forward.
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) is seeking a third opinion on his injured knee, which is why the Lions have yet to place him on Injured Reserve, according to head coach Dan Campbell. It was reported earlier this week that Montgomery will have season-ending surgery to fix an MCL sprain in his right knee that he suffered in the Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills, but the Lions are doing their due diligence on Monty's injury. More likely than not, fantasy managers will be without the 27-year-old for the last two weeks of the season. Montgomery's injury sets up Jahmyr Gibbs to eat for fantasy managers when it matters most, with Craig Reynolds and rookie Sione Vaki providing depth as backups the rest of the way. Montgomery will finish his 2024 season with 185 carries for 775 yards (4.2 yards per carry) and 12 touchdowns while adding 36 catches for 341 yards through the air.
David Montgomery Slated To Undergo Season-Ending Surgery
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has confirmed that running back David Montgomery (knee) will undergo season-ending surgery on his knee. The 27-year-old tore his MCL in Sunday's 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills. "We're going to miss him," Campbell told reporters. Oof. Detroit has been marred by injuries this season, and they continue to accrue on both sides of the ball as defensive back Carlton Davis III (jaw) and defensive lineman Alim McNeill (knee) also picked up long-term injuries in Week 15. With Montgomery out, fellow running back Jahmyr Gibbs projects to shoulder most of the backfield touches. Additionally, at least one of his backfield mates Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki, will see an elevated snap share moving forward. The Lions will line up against the Chicago Bears on the road in Week 16.
David Montgomery Dealing With Torn MCL, Could Be Done For The Year
Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) suffered a torn MCL in the Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday and could miss the rest of the season, including the playoffs, according to sources. Montgomery is undergoing further testing on Monday and will also receive a second opinion to confirm the injury, but the Lions and fantasy managers are looking at not having Monty the rest of the way. At least in fantasy leagues, which typically end with the championship in Week 17, Montgomery won't be available for the rest of the year. It makes sense now why the 27-year-old only had five carries for four yards in Sunday's loss to Buffalo, adding four catches for 31 yards. Jahmyr Gibbs should now see the lion's share of touches in Detroit's backfield moving forward, with Craig Reynolds spelling him when needed.
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) injured his MCL in the Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday and is now out indefinitely, according to sources. Montgomery is undergoing additional testing on Monday and will also get a second opinion, but he could be lost for the remainder of the season. It's a huge blow to the Lions and for fantasy managers that have advanced to their semifinal matchups. It remains to be seen if Monty will be available for the postseason, but this injury will most likely sideline him for at least the three remaining regular-season contests. It means that backfield mate Jahmyr Gibbs will now see as many touches as he can handle in Detroit's backfield, giving him even more fantasy upside in a high-octane offense. Meanwhile, Craig Reynolds will bump up to the No. 2 option in Detroit's backfield to help spell Gibbs.
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery carried the ball five times for four rushing yards in Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills. Montgomery was stymied by the Bills defense on his limited rushing opportunities but he did haul in four passes for 31 receiving yards. The Lions were chasing points for much of this game and largely abandoned the run game. Montgomery's pass-game involvement helped salvage his statistical night in a small way but it was a largely disappointing outing for the normally reliable fantasy running back. Jahmyr Gibbs was more involved in the passing game and had a much more productive night out of the backfield. It was a game to forget for Montgomery mostly due to the game script.
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery has scored a rushing touchdown in four of his last five games and could continue that streak in Week 15 in a home matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Splitting time with Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield, Montgomery is a big threat to score each week, even though he hasn't racked up 100-yard rushing games. The bruising running back has one game this season of more than 100 rushing yards but has 12 rushing touchdowns. He is coming off a game against Green Bay in which he caught a season-high five passes. More involvement in the passing game, plus his likelihood to score, makes him a solid play for fantasy playoff matchups. The Bills give up the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs, so look for the Lions to lean on the ground game in this key matchup.
David Montgomery Collects 12th Touchdown Of The Season
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery found the end zone again on Thursday during the three-point win over the Green Bay Packers. The red zone and goal line carries came in handy yet again as the bruiser back scored on a three-yard run to cap off the game's first drive. He finished with 14 carries for 51 yards to lead the backfield while chipping in with five receptions for 33 yards on five targets. The running back duo in Detroit has provided some big value as they both scored in this one. They'll look to share the wealth again in Week 15 against a red-hot Buffalo Bills squad.
David Montgomery Looks To Shine In Divisional Matchup
Detroit Lions running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs will continue operating as arguably the NFL's most dangerous thunder-lightning duo as the Lions prepare for a Week 14 divisional tilt against the Packers on Thursday Night Football. Fresh off another Thursday contest, Montgomery carried the ball 21 times for 88 yards during Detroit's narrow win over the Bears on Thanksgiving Day. Montgomery's reliability in high-volume situations remains vital to Detroit's offense. Green Bay's run defense presents a challenge, ranking eighth in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (106.6). However, opportunities may still be plentiful for Montgomery, especially if Detroit leans on short passes to neutralize the Packers' front. Green Bay has allowed the eighth-most receptions and sixth-most receiving yards to running backs this season, making Montgomery a solid RB2 option with upside.
David Montgomery
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Lions
