Dan Campbell said Monday his starting running back was set to miss the rest of the season with an MCL injury. The fourth-year Lions HC backtracked on that Wednesday, indicating Montgomery has sought a third opinion on his injured knee.
“David’s getting another opinion,” Campbell said (via SI.com). “He’s had a couple, and really just see what this third one says. That’s why we have not put him on injured reserve.
“We’re in waiting mode. … It is one of these injuries that’s unique? You need to know, ’Is it stable? Is it fixed or will it scar?’ And then, certainly stable for now and for later. And then you’ve got to rely on him (saying), ‘Hey man, I can do this.’”
After a solid but unspectacular Bears tenure, Montgomery has been essential to the Lions’ rise over the past two seasons. He has formed one of the best running back tandems in recent NFL history, teaming with Jahmyr Gibbs in a thunder-lightning-like setup.
Montgomery has operated as Detroit’s starter, with Gibbs a lethal change-of-pace option. Montgomery has already accumulated 25 rushing touchdowns as a Lion, playing well behind a top-tier offensive line, and was on pace for a second straight 1,000-yard season. The Lions extended the former second-round pick on a two-year, $18.25M deal earlier this season.
As Gibbs appears all but certain to play a bigger role for the NFC North leaders down the stretch, the Lions are holding off on Montgomery heading to IR. When asked if he had hopes of returning this season, Montgomery responded (via Lions.com) in the affirmative. In the meantime, the Lions will carry the RB on their 53-man roster.
Detroit’s IR-return picture is becoming foggier. The team has seven total activations remaining, counting the two additional playoff slots, and several players loom as return candidates. Aidan Hutchinson is in play to come back as early as the NFC Championship game, should the Lions advance that far, while Carlton Davis could come back from a broken jaw during the postseason as well.
The team designated safety Ifeatu Melifonwu for return for a second time this season Wednesday, moving him closer to a comeback. Linebackers Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes have not been ruled out for the year, and DB Ennis Rakestraw is eligible to return.