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.
Dec 22, 2024 12:41 PM EST
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.
Dec 20, 2024 6:20 PM EST
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.
Dec 19, 2024 6:03 PM EST
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.
Dec 18, 2024 1:28 PM EST
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.
Dec 16, 2024 3:19 PM EST
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.
Dec 16, 2024 12:24 PM EST
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.
Dec 16, 2024 12:10 PM EST
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.
Dec 15, 2024 8:43 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery has scored a rushing touchdown in four of his last five games and look for him to 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.
Dec 14, 2024 8:42 AM EST
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.
Dec 6, 2024 9:59 AM EST
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.
Dec 4, 2024 8:36 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery carried the load during the team's 23-20 win over the Chicago Bears in Week 13. Montgomery logged 21 rush attempts, his second-highest total this season, for 88 yards, while also catching all three of his targets for an additional 36 yards. Montgomery's steady volume led to yet another reliable fantasy outing, marking his eighth game this season with 15 or more fantasy points. As a cornerstone of Detroit's offense, he'll aim to maintain his momentum in a Week 14 Thursday Night Football matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Nov 29, 2024 9:55 AM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (shoulder) is officially active for Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice Wednesday. Montgomery has been a major threat this season, tallying 873 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns en route to ranking as this season's overall RB11 in fantasy football. Fantasy managers should confidently start Montgomery, who scored a Week 13 touchdown in each of his first five seasons and will look to extend that streak to six on Thursday against his old team.
Nov 28, 2024 11:08 AM EST
David Montgomery will aim to contribute as a key part of Detroit's backfield in a Week 13 divisional clash against the Chicago Bears. During the Lions' 24-6 victory over Indianapolis, Montgomery managed eight carries for 37 yards and a touchdown before exiting in the third quarter with a shoulder injury. While he intends to play through the issue, his workload may be reduced in favor of Jahmyr Gibbs, who impressed with 21 carries for 90 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears' defense has been more vulnerable against the run, allowing the eighth-most rushing yards and the tenth-most rushing touchdowns to running backs this season. If Montgomery suits up, his red zone usage and touchdown potential make him a viable RB2 option, even if his snap count is limited.
Nov 27, 2024 5:52 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Thursday's divisional match against the Chicago Bears. Montgomery sustained this shoulder injury during last weekend's victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The veteran RB opened the week as a non-participant during practice but was able to upgrade his stats each day and logged a full session earlier on Wednesday. Despite this, the team is still listing Montgomery as questionable. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status ahead of kickoff but seeing him return to practice in full participation today is a positive sign. If the 27-year-old is unable to suit up Thursday afternoon, sophomore running back Jahmyr Gibbs would see a heavy workload and have RB1 upside this weekend.
Nov 27, 2024 4:03 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (shoulder) is trending toward playing on Thursday against the Chicago Bears, according to head coach Dan Campbell. Campbell said he "feels pretty good" about Montgomery's status, and the veteran running back wanted to go back into last week's game after suffering a minor shoulder ding, but the team held him out as a precaution. The 27-year-old has scored at least one rushing touchdown in nine of 11 games this year and has reached double-digit fantasy points in 10 of those contests. Assuming he suits up against his former team on Thanksgiving, he's a must-start RB2 option against the Chicago defense that has allowed the 14th-most fantasy points per game to ball carriers. UPDATE: Montgomery was limited in Tuesday's practice.
Nov 26, 2024 2:30 PM EST
In the Detroit Lions' estimated practice report on Monday, they listed running back David Montgomery (shoulder) as a non-participant. Montgomery injured his shoulder in the second half and never returned in the Week 12 win over the Indianapolis Colts, but he said post-game that he would be ready to go for Thursday's Thanksgiving matchup against the division-rival Chicago Bears. Fantasy managers shouldn't just take the 27-year-old's word for it, though. Because the Lions probably won't have much in the way of normal practices Monday through Wednesday on a short week, it may be difficult to gauge Monty's availability or effectiveness for the Thursday matchup against Chicago. If Montgomery is unable to play in Week 13, Jahmyr Gibbs would have high-end RB1 potential, while Craig Reynolds would serve as Detroit's RB2.
Nov 25, 2024 4:39 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery made the most of limited action in the Lions' 24-6 victory over the Indianapolis Colts before exiting with a shoulder injury. The veteran back logged eight carries for 37 yards and a touchdown while catching all three of his targets for 36 yards. Despite the shortened outing, Montgomery's performance is good enough for a Top-10 RB finish this week heading into Sunday night. Montgomery has been a reliable red-zone presence for Detroit, scoring a touchdown in nine of 11 games this season. It's also worth noting that he has now recorded 15 or more PPR fantasy points in seven of 11 games His status for the Week 13 Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Chicago Bears will be one to monitor closely but looks optimistic for now.
Nov 24, 2024 9:19 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (shoulder) exited Sunday's win over the Indianapolis Colts. While he had only 37 yards off eight carries, he at least found the end zone. Understandably, fantasy managers are concerned. However, the veteran reported after the game that he will be good to go for Thursday's matchup with the Chicago Bears, adding it was a "smart decision" to rest him after the injury, which suggests he could have returned if needed. With that in mind, players have said things like this before, so fantasy managers should continue to monitor things heading toward the Week 13 NFC North showdown. If Montgomery can't suit up, that will mean even more work for Jahmyr Gibbs.
Nov 24, 2024 5:32 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (shoulder) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. He is officially questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had 37 rushing yards, 36 receiving yards, and a touchdown. While losing a player of Montgomery's caliber can be crushing, the Lions are still in a good position with Jahmyr Gibbs leading their backfield. Gibbs has 69 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns so far Sunday, and he'll continue to handle a heavy workload regardless of whether Montgomery checks back into the contest.
Nov 24, 2024 3:15 PM EST
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