The Detroit Lions suffered more losses than in just the win column last Sunday. They came up short in a game that featured 90 points and 1,080 yards of total offense between the two sides, losing to the Buffalo Bills for the first defeat since September 15th. But the bad news kept piling on as injuries to some key pieces began to pop up, including one of their most productive offensive weapons.
Montgomery Could Return For Lions In The Playoffs
David Montgomery is a part of easily the best running back duo in the league. Splitting time with Jahmyr Gibbs, Montgomery was able to rack up 775 rushing yards through the first 14 games of 2024. His 12 touchdowns were tied for the 4th-most in the league, and he was on pace to have a career-high in receiving yards.
But disaster struck for the 27-year-old running back during the game against the Bills. After 9 touches and 35 total yards, it was revealed that Montgomery had played through most of the game while hurt. On Monday, it was announced that he had injured his MCL, and that season-ending surgery was a likely conclusion.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay Kickoff with @TomPelissero: The #Lions got some actually good injury news, with David Montgomery potentially returning for the playoffs, while the #Steelers will have star edge TJ Watt on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/uTJVgs8FPm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 19, 2024
That diagnosis apparently changed on Thursday. According to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Montgomery has found a doctor whose opinion is for something other than surgery. Instead of going under the knife, the running back will instead opt for rehabilitation on the knee, with his sights set on being available for the Lions during the upcoming playoffs.
After their loss to the Bills, the Lions dropped to 12-2, and are still in first place despite having identical records as both the Eagles and Vikings. If Dan Campbell and company are able to hold on to that first seed in the NFC, then they’ll be granted not only home field advantage, but a bye during the first week of the postseason, as well.
Given their injury situation on both sides of the ball, any extra time to get healthy will be welcomed.
