Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that he would like to get running back David Montgomery a "bigger piece of the pie" in the rushing attack, according to Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News. With a negative game script in the Week 6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Montgomery only saw four carries for 24 yards and caught two passes for 37 yards. It was by far the 28-year-old's smallest role through six weeks of the 2025 season. The Lions offense is at its best when they are dictating the pace of the game and able to mix in plenty of play-action passing. Monty also played a season-low 31% of the offensive snaps in Week 6 after seeing a season-high 53% of the snaps in Week 5. It sounds like Detroit will make it a point to get Montgomery more involved in Week 7 on Monday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making him a more attractive RB3/flex play against a Bucs defense that has been in the middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to RBs this year.
Oct 14, 2025 12:26 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery logged a season-high 18 carries in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals, finishing with 65 rushing yards and a touchdown. The 28-year-old also tossed the second touchdown pass of his career on a trick play. Heading into a Week 6 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, Montgomery should be expected to return to the 1B role in the Lions' backfield alongside Jahmyr Gibbs. Kansas City has been surprisingly subpar against the run so far this season, ranking 24th in rushing touchdowns allowed (six) and 26th in yards per carry allowed (4.8). Montgomery's limited touch ceiling while playing next to Gibbs makes him reliant on touchdowns for fantasy production, but he looks like a decent bet to find the end zone against the Chiefs. In Week 6, Montgomery profiles as a low-end fantasy RB2.
Oct 10, 2025 5:55 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries during Sunday's Week 5 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He also converted his lone target into a six-yard reception. Furthermore, the veteran running back was involved in a trick play as he threw a three-yard touchdown pass to tight end Sam LaPorta. In the end, Montgomery finished the victory with 71 scrimmage yards and two total touchdowns. He was the team's leading rusher and also posted a season-high in carries. While we can't necessarily expect Montgomery to replicate this type of performance going forward, he has established himself as a high-end RB3/flex option once again in 2025. He should be started in leagues with at least 10 teams when he takes on the Kansas City Chiefs next week.
Oct 6, 2025 12:33 AM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is coming off his least productive game as a Lion, rushing for just 12 yards on nine carries in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns. Expect the Lions to look to get Montgomery going early in a much more favorable Week 5 matchup on paper against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed the seventh-most rushing yards and fifth-most rushing touchdowns in the NFL through four weeks. Even with the rough performance in Week 4, Montgomery is still averaging 5.7 yards per carry so far this season and has logged three rushing touchdowns. He profiles as a solid fantasy RB2 in Week 5 against Cincinnati.
Oct 3, 2025 4:48 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery was one of the stars of his team's Week 3 win over the Baltimore Ravens, rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. The 28-year-old has now recorded 233 yards and three touchdowns on 34 carries through his first three games of 2025. Montgomery gets a brutal matchup in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns, who have allowed the fewest rushing yards (172) in the NFL so far and just one rushing touchdown. Even with the big game in Week 3, Montgomery is averaging just 13.3 touches per contest and remains highly dependent on touchdowns for fantasy production. The Lions have a potent offense, but this may be a difficult week for them against the Browns. In Week 4, Montgomery profiles as a low-end fantasy RB3/flex option.
Sep 26, 2025 10:41 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery ran all over the Ravens defense in Monday night's 38-30 win, finishing with a career high 151 rushing yards and two touchdowns on only 12 carries while adding a reception for 13 yards. Montgomery's previous career high was 146 yards with the Bears in December 2020, and he needed 32 carries to reach that mark. The workhorse back needed only 12 carries to set a new record, adding 108 rushing yards over expected. That is 39 yards more than any other player in a game this season, per Next Gen Stats. The Lions' offense moved the ball at will for the second week in a row, putting together touchdown drives of 96 and 98 yards. One of the highlights of the night was Montgomery breaking loose up the gut for a 72-yard run late in the third quarter and propelling Detroit to an explosive 17-point fourth quarter and a win. Montgomery continues to be a strong RB2 with the upside for monster games like this in an elite offense.
Sep 23, 2025 12:22 AM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery recorded 57 rushing yards and a touchdown in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears. The veteran back has logged exactly 11 carries in each of the team's first two games. He should be in line for a similar workload in Week 3, but may have a more difficult time finding the end zone against the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore allowed just 12 rushing touchdowns as a team last season, although it's worth noting they've already allowed three through the first two games of 2025. Additionally, star Ravens defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) will miss Week 3 with a neck injury. Montgomery has been out-snapped and out-touched by Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs in each of Detroit's first two games and is likely reliant on finding the end zone to provide quality fantasy production. Montgomery profiles as a solid flex option in Week 3 against Baltimore.
Sep 20, 2025 9:06 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery rushed for 57 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries in his team's 52-21 Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears. Since joining the Lions, Montgomery has been one of the NFL's most consistent red-zone backs. The 28-year-old has not gone consecutive games within a season without scoring a touchdown since December 2023. On a less positive note for fantasy managers, Montgomery appears set for a secondary role behind Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit this season. Although Gibbs only earned one more carry than Montgomery in Week 2, Montgomery was on the field for 10 fewer snaps. The veteran has also recorded seven fewer touches than his backfield mate through the first two games of the season. Montgomery remains a consistent flex option in fantasy, but he'll likely be reliant on finding the end zone again to produce in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Sep 15, 2025 11:17 PM EST
Like most of the Lions offense, David Montgomery had a quiet Week 1. The 28-year-old rushed for 25 yards on 11 carries, adding 18 yards on four receptions out of the backfield. The re-worked interior of Detroit's offensive line struggled last week against the Green Bay Packers, but they have an easier matchup on paper against the Chicago Bears in Week 2. In three career games against Chicago, Montgomery has rushed for 230 yards and a touchdown on 43 carries. In the lone game last season where both Montgomery and fellow Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs were active, Montgomery earned 21 carries while Gibbs recorded just nine. Detroit's shaky offensive line play in Week 1 raises questions about Montgomery's effectiveness in Week 2, likely making him dependent on finding the end zone to be productive in fantasy. He profiles as a low-end RB3/flex option against the Bears.
Sep 12, 2025 1:11 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is expected to cede touches this year to some degree to his superstar backfield mate, Jahmyr Gibbs. However, history suggests that Montgomery could see a workhorse role in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. In four games against the Packers since joining the Lions in 2022, Montgomery has averaged 22 touches, 98 yards from scrimmage, and 1.25 touchdowns per game. Those numbers are even better at Lambeau Field, where he's logged 49 carries for 194 yards and three scores in his last two games. The Packers recently made their pass-rush significantly better by acquiring star edge rusher Micah Parsons (back), who is questionable for Week 1 with a back injury but expected to play. If the Lions want to win the physical battle in the trenches and run the ball between the tackles, they will likely rely on Montgomery. The 28-year-old projects as a low-end fantasy RB2/high-end flex in Week 1.
Sep 5, 2025 4:38 PM EST
When asked if he envisions a similar workload split this year between running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in 2025, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator John Morton smiled and said, "We'll see." In 2024, Montgomery would often open the game in the backfield before giving way to Gibbs on the second offensive series of the game, but that could change in 2025 with Ben Johnson out of town. Lions beat writers got the impression during training camp this summer that Gibbs might be the "starter" to begin games this year, which would make fantasy managers that invested a top-five pick in him pretty happy. Montgomery is still going to be involved as long as he's healthy, though, and he could steal valuable goal-line touches from Gibbs. Both RBs should be rostered in all formats, but Gibbs' fantasy upside feels higher than it ever has before.
Sep 4, 2025 12:11 PM EST
DetroitLions.com's Tim Twentyman reports that he's seen Detroit Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery on the field together over the first three training camp practices, maybe more than he can remember in the last two years. It appears that new offensive coordinator John Morton likes the Gibbs-Monty combination and the pressure they can put on opposing defenses. Despite the presence of Montgomery in Detroit's backfield, Gibbs is a surefire top-five fantasy RB entering his third NFL season. The former first-rounder has been a Pro Bowler in both of his seasons and ran for 1,412 yards and a league-high 16 touchdowns on 250 carries a year ago, adding 52 catches for the second straight year, 517 yards and four more TDs. Montgomery is dangerous in his own right and had 1,000 yards rushing in 2023, but he's not the all-around stud that Gibbs is.
Jul 22, 2025 1:52 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery rushed seven times for 28 yards during Saturday's playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. He also threw a pass for 20 yards. Montgomery returned from a multi-week absence caused by a knee injury. As expected, he took a backseat to Jahmyr Gibbs, who had twice as many carries and also saw a whopping 11 targets. Montgomery's ability to convert in short-yardage situations makes him a special running back, but there's no denying that he lacks the shiftiness, receiving skills, and big-play upside of Gibbs. Nevertheless, the two continue to form the best running back duo in the NFL. Heading into 2025, Montgomery will have standalone value as a high-end RB3, and he'll also be a premier handcuff option in case Gibbs gets hurt.
Jan 19, 2025 12:12 AM EST
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) is off the injury report and good to go for Saturday's playoff game against the Washington Commanders. The veteran back has been sidelined since suffering an MCL sprain during their Week 15 contest against the Buffalo Bills. While sidelined, sophomore running back Jahmyr Gibbs has taken complete control of the backfield. However, with Montgomery back in the mix, fantasy managers should expect both of them to share the backfield throughout the remainder of the postseason. During the first 13 games of the season, Montgomery averaged 13.8 carries per game with 59.3 rushing yards per game. During this stretch, he found the back of the end zone 12 times and saw 17 total carries within the five-yard line. While Gibbs carries the higher ceiling, given his elite speed, Montgomery is a high-floor RB2, given his role in short-yardage situations and in the red zone. Fantasy managers should feel confident viewing him as an RB2 in all DFS competitions this weekend against Washington.
Jan 16, 2025 4:15 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) was a full-go in practice on Wednesday for the second straight day this week. Montgomery said that he's "ready to go" for the Divisional Round game this Saturday versus the visiting Washington Commanders despite spraining his MCL in the Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The 27-year-old missed the final three weeks of the regular season but had an extra week to rest with Detroit on bye during the wild-card round of the playoffs. It's great news for the Lions backfield that Monty will be available this weekend, as he has been the tone-setter for the team's ground game the last two seasons. He had 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 185 carries over 14 games before his knee injury, adding 36 catches for 341 yards through the air. The potential for fewer touches alongside Jahmyr Gibbs this Saturday will make him a more volatile fantasy asset, though.
Jan 15, 2025 4:57 PM EST
After returning to a full practice on Tuesday, Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) said he's "ready to go" for the Divisional Round clash against the visiting Washington Commanders this Saturday. Montgomery sprained the MCL in his right knee in a Dec. 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills, and at the time, it was reported he would undergo season-ending surgery. However, Monty never had plans to go under the knife and was always targeting the Divisional Round for his return. The six-year veteran spent every day strengthening his knee, and he said it "feels better than it did before I got hurt." Still, given the long layoff, it's unclear how much he'll play this weekend. Montgomery was averaging around 28 snaps per game before the knee injury, gaining 775 yards with 12 touchdowns in 14 appearances. He's been Detroit's tone-setter on the ground, but he'll be much more of a risk in fantasy lineups this weekend.
Jan 15, 2025 12:28 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) was listed as a full participant in the team's first practice of the week on Tuesday. An MCL sprain to his right knee kept Montgomery out for the final three games of the regular season, and he had an extra week to heal up with the Lions on bye during the wild-card round of the playoffs last weekend. With the 27-year-old back to a full-go in practice, even though it was merely a walkthrough on Tuesday, he's on track to be available this Saturday in the Divisional Round against the visiting Washington Commanders. It's good news for the Lions offense for sure, but fantasy managers in playoff leagues should be hesitant to rely on Monty, who could have a reduced role alongside Jahmyr Gibbs in his first game back. In 14 games before his knee injury in 2024, Montgomery had 185 rushing attempts for 775 yards and 12 TDs and also caught 36 passes for 341 yards.
Jan 14, 2025 4:35 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) is expected to play in the NFC Divisional Round, according to head coach Dan Campbell. The 27-year-old suffered an MCL injury in the Week 15 game against the Buffalo Bills and has missed each of the last three contests. Early reports suggested Montgomery would need surgery and would miss the remainder of the season, but that is not the case. While it's an exciting development for Detroit, Montgomery could be limited by his lower-body ailment upon his return to action. Luckily, the Lions have a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs, giving Montgomery extra time off to rehab and prepare.
Jan 7, 2025 2:51 PM EST
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) underwent a full workout on Saturday, according to NBC Sports' Sunday Night Football broadcast. This was Montgomery's first full workout since suffering an MCL sprain in Week 15, and it indicates that the veteran running back could be nearing a return to the field. Head coach Dan Campbell wouldn't comment on his timetable, though, and when NBC Sports' Melissa Stark asked Campbell if Montgomery could play next week, he said, "I'm excited. I'll just say that." That question is moot now that Detroit has clinched a bye through Wild Card Weekend, but the bottom line is that Montgomery might have a real chance to play in the Lions' next game during the Divisional Round. He and Jahmyr Gibbs arguably form the best one-two punch in the NFL, so having both backs healthy for the playoffs would give the Lions an enormous boost.
Jan 6, 2025 12:34 AM EST
According to Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News, running back David Montgomery (knee) has been ruled out and running back Craig Reynolds (back) is listed as questionable for Week 18. Montgomery has been sidelined since suffering an MCL sprain during their Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Montgomery is currently eyeing a potential return in the postseason. Reynolds popped up on the injury report on Friday as a non-participant which is not a positive sign for his status for Sunday night. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Jahmyr Gibbs to lead the backfield once again and carry elite RB1 upside. If Reynolds were to be ruled out, Jermar Jefferson will likely slot in as the No.2 option. Jefferson saw a handful of carries near the goal line last weekend but Gibbs led the way as he tallied over 160 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers.
Jan 3, 2025 4:51 PM EST
Copyright 2025 Fantasy Football Calculator | Image Source: Icon Sportswire. Not affiliated with the National Football League (NFL).
Stats powered by FantasyData.com.
