Detroit Lions News

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David Montgomery • RB • Lions

David Montgomery Will Avoid Surgery, Eyes Divisional Round For Return

After considering three high-level medical opinions, Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) has decided to forego surgery. He will rehab his MCL in hopes of returning to football action in time for the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. Montgomery has been a major contributor in Detroit this season, totaling 775 rushing yards, 341 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. The Lions should feel good about their backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs leading the way, but getting Montgomery back in January would give them a major boost in their quest to make the Super Bowl.

2 hours ago

Brian Branch • DB • Lions

Brian Branch Active Sunday, Graham Glasgow Sidelined

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (calf) is active for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, guard Graham Glasgow (knee) is inactive. Both players had been listed as questionable after being limited in practice on Friday. Branch has appeared in 13 games this season, making a big impact with his 84 tackles, four interceptions, and one forced fumble. Glasgow's absence is huge news for Detroit as he had not previously missed a single snap this season. He'll likely be replaced by Kayode Awosika at the left guard position.

2 hours ago

Teven Jenkins • G • Lions

Teven Jenkins, Jaylon Johnson Active Versus Lions

Chicago Bears left guard Teven Jenkins (calf) and cornerback Jaylon Johnson (illness) are active for Sunday's Week 16 divisional battle against the Detroit Lions. Both players had been listed as questionable. Jenkins was limited on Friday while Johnson did not practice. The former has appeared in 13 games this season. On Sunday, he'll be tasked with slowing down a Lions defense that has been impressive despite losing key players to injury. Meanwhile, Johnson has suited up for all 14 contests so far, amassing 40 tackles and two interceptions. Chicago's secondary has been dominant against opposing passers, but they'll get a tougher test this week in the form of Jared Goff and his star receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown.

2 hours ago

Tim Patrick • WR • Lions

Tim Patrick Looking To Keep Touchdown Streak Alive

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick will be looking to keep his two-game touchdown streak going in a Week 16 divisional clash versus the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday. Patrick has seen a bigger role in the last two weeks against the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills, catching 10 of his 15 targets for 73 yards and three touchdowns. Prior to Week 14, though, Patrick hadn't seen more than four targets in a game. The 31-year-old veteran pass-catcher has 19 catches for 202 yards and the three TDs on 26 targets in his last five games, which has made him the WR29 in that span. With the elevated role of late, Patrick has settled in as Detroit's No. 3 receiver behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams in a high-volume passing offense. However, he's still more of a touchdown-dependent WR4/5 in fantasy that will be taking on a Bears defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest half-PPR points per game to wideouts in the last five weeks.

Yesterday

Jake Bates • K • Lions

Jake Bates Looks Like A Starting Option In Week 16

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates can be started with confidence in Week 16 at the Chicago Bears. He is coming off a game against Buffalo in which he missed a 52-yard field goal but made all six of his extra points. The 52-yarder was his only attempt of the game so he will look to rebound a bit at Chicago this week. Tied to the Lions' high-powered offense, Bates is a trustworthy option for fantasy managers at the position. Look for more opportunities for field goals in this game and expect Bates to deliver this week.

Yesterday

Sam LaPorta • TE • Lions

Sam LaPorta Looks Like Good Option In Week 16

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta hasn't had the monster season that many were predicting but he has made some strides over the last few weeks. Ahead of Week 16 at the Chicago Bears, LaPorta is looking like a good option at the tight end position. The Iowa product scored two touchdowns in the Thanksgiving matchup between the Lions and Bears in Detroit. The Bears are about middle of the pack against tight ends in fantasy points allowed, so LaPorta looks like a promising threat to score a touchdown in this matchup. In his last four games, LaPorta has seen at least six targets in each game and saw 10 targets against Buffalo last week. An increased role along with his red-zone prowess makes LaPorta a favorable start at the tight end position in the fantasy playoffs.

Yesterday

Jameson Williams • WR • Lions

Jameson Williams A Risky Play In Week 16

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has a difficult matchup in Week 16 at the Chicago Bears and makes for a risky play in the fantasy playoffs. The Bears defense allows the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and Williams was held to five catches for 28 yards when the teams played in Detroit in Week 13. The speedy wide receiver has the big-play ability to make one play account for a large chunk of a productive day. Against a good pass defense with other options in the Lions' passing offense like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tim Patrick, and Sam LaPorta, Williams could be a bit overlooked in this game. Look for other more steady options to fill in the receiver spots for fantasy playoff lineups.

Yesterday

Amon-Ra St. Brown • WR • Lions

Amon-Ra St. Brown Can Be Trusted In Week 16

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is coming off a monster performance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15. He faces a tough test in Week 16 at the Chicago Bears but should produce for fantasy managers in the fantasy playoffs. The Bears' defense allows the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Chicago held St. Brown in check in Week 13 in Detroit as the talented receiver hauled in five passes for 73 yards on seven targets. Last week, St. Brown had a season-high 18 targets in the team's loss to Buffalo. The volume will not be as heavy in Week 16 but look for St. Brown to be involved as the team's biggest target in the passing game. If the Lions find success on the ground, they could lean into the rushing attack in this game so the game script could be very different from last week. It doesn't figure to be a huge breakout game for St. Brown for the second week in a row but look for a solid performance in this game.

Yesterday

Craig Reynolds • RB • Lions

Wait And See On The Role Of Craig Reynolds

Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds is a popular waiver-wire addition ahead of Week 16 against the Chicago Bears but it might be best to check on his role and usage before plugging him into lineups. With David Montgomery (knee) out, it is natural to think that Reynolds could step into the tandem running back role with Jahmyr Gibbs and produce numbers that could be useful for fantasy. But Gibbs could dominate the backfield and be in line for expanded usage and a more featured role with Reynolds and Sione Vaki giving him rest spells. Reynolds could factor into the Lions game plan but in the fantasy playoffs this week it is risky to take that chance and would be better to trust a more reliable option at the position.

Yesterday

Jahmyr Gibbs • RB • Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs Sets Up Nicely For Big Week 16 Outing

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is the clear-cut number-one option in the team's backfield now that David Montgomery will miss time with a knee injury. The versatile running back has a nice matchup in Week 16 at the Chicago Bears. The Bears allow the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs and Gibbs should have a strangle-hold on carries for the Lions. Craig Reynolds and even Sione Vaki could factor in a bit in the backfield but Gibbs should get a heavy workload against a beatable defense. Everything is lining up for a big day for Gibbs who should be heavily involved in the passing game as well. Count on the talented running back for big numbers in the fantasy playoffs.

Yesterday

Jared Goff • QB • Lions

Jared Goff Tries To Keep Rolling At Chicago In Week 16

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is coming off his best game of the year in a loss to Buffalo. He will try to continue that positive momentum in a Week 16 matchup at the Chicago Bears. The Bears' defense is tops in the NFL in allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. It's a tough road tilt for Goff but the quarterback still sets up well from a fantasy perspective and should continue his hot stretch for fantasy managers needing a good playoff performance. With David Montgomery out, the Lions offense will lean on Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield but the passing game should be more featured without the team's big bruiser. Goff will likely not throw as much as he did against Buffalo, but even with reduced volume, he should put up nice numbers on the road.

Yesterday

David Montgomery • RB • Lions

David Montgomery Yet To Go On Injured Reserve

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.

Yesterday

David Montgomery • RB • Lions

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.

2 days ago

David Montgomery • RB • Lions

David Montgomery Seeking Third Opinion On Knee

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.

4 days ago

David Montgomery • RB • Lions

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.

5 days ago

David Montgomery • RB • Lions

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.

6 days ago

David Montgomery • RB • Lions

David Montgomery Out Indefinitely With MCL Injury

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.

6 days ago

Carlton Davis • CB • Lions

Carlton Davis Will Undergo Surgery On His Broken Jaw, Out Indefinitely

Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis (jaw) will undergo surgery on his broken jaw, which will sideline him indefinitely. The Lions' list of defensive injuries continues to pile up after their Week 15 loss against the Buffalo Bills. The Lions have ruled Alim McNeill (knee) out for the season. Khalil Dorsey (ankle) is dealing with an injury, and now Davis is sidelined indefinitely. With three games left in the regular season, the Lions will have to search for answers on the defensive side of the ball. They have been reeling late, allowing 31 points to the Green Bay Packers in Week 14 and 48 last week to the Bills.

6 days ago

Alim McNeill • DL • Lions

Alim McNeill Suffers Season-Ending Torn ACL

Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (knee) suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game and was immediately ruled out. After the game, head coach Dan Campbell didn't reveal any specifics about the injury and just said it "didn't look good." According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, McNeill suffered an ACL injury and will miss the remainder of the 2024 campaign. It was an awful injury for this struggling Lions defense, as they are already without defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (leg) and a laundry list of other defensive players. The Lions hit the road for a few games against the Chicago Bears and the San Francisco 49ers before ending the season at home against the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions' defense has been reeling lately, allowing 48 points to the Bills last week and 31 to the Green Bay Packers the week before. The Lions will need to search for answers on the defensive side to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive.

6 days ago

Jameson Williams • WR • Lions

Jameson Williams Finds The End Zone Against Bills

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams found the end zone for the first time since Week 11 despite being fourth on the team in targets. During the 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Williams finished the game with 37 yards and a touchdown on three receptions and five targets. The former 12th-overall pick now has accrued 42 receptions for 747 yards and five touchdowns with an average of 62.3 yards per game. That slots him in as the WR30 in half-PPR leagues. Williams and company will set their sights on a divisional matchup in Week 16 against the Chicago Bears.

6 days ago

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