David

Montgomery

The fact that Montgomery played in this game at all is a bit of a miracle. Montgomery went down with a knee issue late in the year that was initially believed to be season-ending. After getting multiple opinions on the injury, Montgomery eventually managed to avoid surgery and use the final three weeks of the regular season plus Detroit’s first-round bye to rehab. It would not be surprising in the least to see him undergo some sort of procedure in the offseason. Montgomery gave up far more work to Jahmyr Gibbs this year, with his carry total falling from 219 in 2023 to 185 this year while playing the same number of games. He also averaged fewer yards per carry, bringing his yardage total to 775, though he did score a dozen touchdowns. Montgomery also saw an uptick in receiving work, catching 36 balls for 341 yards. The Knuckles to Gibbs’ Sonic will likely take another slight step back next year as Gibbs continues to ascend, but Montgomery is a talented power back with a nose for the end zone. Coming off his fourth consecutive season with at least 1,100 yards from scrimmage, Montgomery remains in the RB2 mix for early fantasy drafters.

Montgomery was trending toward a return after being a full participant in practice all week. The thunder to Jahmyr Gibbs’ lightning will officially be good to go for Saturday’s game, with a right to host the NFC Championship Game on the line. Montgomery averaged 15.8 touches per game during the regular season and should see plenty of work against a Commanders defense that has struggled to slow opposing ground games. In addition to Montgomery, the Lions also listed CB Ennis Rakestraw as questionable for Saturday’s game while ruling out guard Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) and DE Pat O’Conner (calf).

Montgomery’s continued participation suggests he remains setback-free. He told reporters earlier today that he is “ready to go” and his practice status confirms it. It is likely that the Lions continue to lean on Jahmyr Gibbs but Montgomery should be able to at least chip in, in lower-stakes situations.

Montgomery practiced in full Tuesday after missing two games with an MCL injury. “It’s just refreshing kind of to be back in the position where I can help the team,” Montgomery told reporters Tuesday. “I wouldn’t be out there if I wasn’t ready.” If Montgomery suits up against Washington, The Detroit Free Press’ Rainer Sabin said it remains “unclear” how much he will play in his return to action. Jahmyr Gibbs should remain the Lions’ lead back in a matchup against a soft Commanders rush defense that should have a tough time containing Detroit’s league-best rushing attack.

Montgomery has a high chance of playing against the Commanders after missing the last three weeks of the season with an MCL sprain. Dan Campbell noted last week that he expected that to be the case, and it is all coming together for Montgomery to return in the Divisional Round. He’ll likely step right back into his usual role splitting snaps with Jahmyr Gibbs, though it is possible Gibbs gets a larger share of the workload than usual if the Lions want to make sure everything is good with Montgomery early in the game.

Montgomery has missed the last three games of the season after sustaining his MCL sprain against the Bills in Week 15. It is likely that Jahmyr Gibbs will get more of the workload against Detroit’s Divisional Round opponent than he usually got in the regular season, particularly if the Lions feel Montgomery is in any way playing compromised. Still, this is great news for the Lions and a wrench for Gibbs in playoff best ball and DFS contests.

The news comes compliments of beat reporter Dave Birkett, who notes a reported exchange between reporter Melissa Stark and Dan Campbell. When asked if the workout indicates whether Montgomery could play next week, Campbell said, “I’m excited. I’ll just say that.” Montgomery has been rehabbing an MCL sprain suffered in Week 15 with the goal of returning for the Lions’ playoff run. He could be close to returning.

Montgomery will miss his third straight contest as he rehabs a knee injury sustained in Week 15. The Lions square off with the Vikings in what many are calling the game of the season, with the winner clinching the No. 1 seed out of the NFC and the loser looking at a road Wildcard game.

The Lions are playing in what amounts to a meaningless game, with their Week 18 matchup against the Vikings to decide the winner of the NFC North and the team that emerges with the only bye and top seed out of the NFC. Head coach Dan Campbell previously relayed that the team would be approaching their game against the 49ers with a “business as usual” mindset, unlikely to rest meaningful starters.

No surprise here after Montgomery is reportedly attempting to rehab his knee and return at some point in the playoffs. The Lions control their own destiny for the top playoff seed and the only bye out of the NFC, but will need to keep stringing together wins with the Vikings nipping at their heels.