The Detroit Lions were one of the best teams in the NFL during the regular season, setting franchise records for wins (15) and points scored (564). Detroit earned a second consecutive NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Detroit’s offense was the top-scoring team in the NFL during the regular season, and starting running back David Montgomery significantly contributed to that success. However, the Lions lost several players in their Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills, including Montgomery.
He suffered a knee injury during the loss to Buffalo, and it was announced the following day that Montgomery tore the MCL in his right knee.
Montgomery proceeded to miss the remainder of the regular season, and the Lions prepared to be without him for a potential playoff run. However, the Lions running back appears to be pushing towards a return to action for the divisional round of the playoffs when the Lions host the Washington Commanders.
Here’s the latest on Montgomery’s injury:
All things Lions: Latest Detroit Lions news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
David Montgomery injury update
Just over a month after Detroit believed it would be without Montgomery, Lions coach Dan Campbell said on Monday he expects the running back to play in Saturday’s playoff opener against the Washington Commanders.
‘There’s a place for him here; he’s a tone-setter,’ Campbell said. ‘There’ll be a place for him in this game, so it’s going to be good to get him back.’
At the time of the injury, Campbell announced that Montgomery would require season-ending knee surgery, but after receiving multiple opinions, Montgomery opted for rehab instead. As a result of that decision, Montgomery appears to be trending in the right direction to be available for the Lions in the playoffs.
Montgomery finished the regular season with 775 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns on 185 carries. He also has 341 receiving yards and logged his sixth consecutive season with at least 1,000 yards from scrimmage to start his NFL career.
The Lions will host the Commanders who allowed a league-high 2.02 yards before contact per carry, the third-most yards per rush and the eighth-highest explosive run rate during the regular season.
Who are the Lions playing in playoffs?
No. 1 seed Detroit Lions vs. No. 6 seed Washington Commanders
The Lions will host the Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs on Saturday night.