In a season riddled with injuries, the Detroit Lions have been dealt another significant blow. Running back David Montgomery, a pivotal component of the Lions' offensive game plan, suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear during the Week 15 clash against the Buffalo Bills. The injury occurred during the second quarter, forcing Montgomery to leave the field with visible pain, clutching his knee.
An Untimely Setback
The timing of Montgomery's injury could not have been more inopportune for the Lions, who have already seen an astonishing 21 players sidelined on injured reserve, with 15 of those being defenders. This statistic highlights the physical challenges and adversities the team has been forced to navigate throughout the season. Montgomery's return was short-lived; after halftime, he made a brief reappearance but was soon sidelined again, raising concerns over the severity of the injury.
Montgomery's immediate future hangs in the balance as he seeks a third opinion on his knee injury. This quest for additional medical insights underscores the seriousness with which both Montgomery and the Lions view his health situation—not only for this season but for his career moving forward.
Stepping into the Breach
With Montgomery unable to continue, the spotlight shifted to rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs was called upon to carry the offensive load in Montgomery's absence, handling all remaining snaps for the first half and the entirety of the second half. Gibbs has made significant contributions this season, recording 186 carries and catching 39 passes. Throughout the season, he has showcased impressive versatility, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and 10.1 yards per reception.
Meanwhile, Montgomery himself has had a strong season, with statistics closely mirroring those of Gibbs. Montgomery posted 185 carries and 36 receptions, with respectable averages of 4.2 yards per carry and 9.5 yards per reception. These numbers reflect his consistent performance and reliability as a key offensive weapon for the Lions.
The Game Against Buffalo
In the game against the Bills, Montgomery managed just five carries for a paltry four yards before his untimely exit. Prior to the injury, he had been more effective as a receiver out of the backfield, contributing four catches for 31 yards. His versatility in both the running and passing game will be sorely missed, as noted by head coach Dan Campbell. Campbell's sentiments reflect the sentiments of fans and teammates alike: "We're going to miss him," he remarked, acknowledging the void left by Montgomery's absence.
The Path Forward
With the playoffs rapidly approaching, the Lions must quickly find a way to mitigate the impact of losing Montgomery. While Gibbs has shown he can be electrifying, the pressure is on him now more than ever to elevate his play under intensified scrutiny and expectations.
As Montgomery seeks further medical evaluation, the Lions’ coaching staff must make critical adjustments to the playbook, potentially relying more on the passing game or exploring creative schemes that play to Gibbs’s strengths, along with utilizing other depth players.
This pivotal moment will test not only the mettle of the players but also the tactical acumen of the coaching staff as they navigate this latest challenge with their eyes set on postseason aspirations.
For Lions fans, the hope is that Montgomery's third medical opinion will offer a glimmer of optimism for a return, keeping alive aspirations for what could still be a promising season.