Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell announced that running back David Montgomery will return to action in the NFC Divisional Round. He was initially ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season after suffering an MCL injury in their Week 15 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
However, he opted to rest instead of undergo surgery. Nearly five weeks of rest made him healthy enough to play again, and the Lions clinching the NFC’s top seed gave him additional time to recover.
Before the injury, Montgomery had 185 carries for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns. The running back from Iowa State also has 36 catches for 341 yards. His return will significantly boost the Lions, especially with their defense weakened by several starters on injured reserve.
While Montgomery will line up with Jahmyr Gibbs in the Detroit backfield once again, their Divisional Round opponent remains unknown. They will get the lowest-seed team that won in the NFC Wild Card Round, which could be the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders, or Green Bay Packers.
The Lions clinched the number one seed after dominating the Vikings in their Week 18 showdown at Ford Field. Depending on how the Wild Card Round unfolds, the division rivals could have a rematch with Montgomery back in action.
-Lance Fernandez