Story by
David Montgomery injury update: Detroit Lions running back hints return is near
- Story by
- David Montgomery injury update: Detroit Lions running back hints return is near
The Detroit Lions seemingly have reinforcements coming soon as the page turns to the playoffs.
During the Lions ' showdown with the Vikings on Sunday night, NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark reported that Lions running back David Montgomery went through his first full workout on Saturday involving change of pace drills and is "excited" about a potential return from his MCL injury.
Advertisement
"I asked if he'll be back next week, he flashed a big smile and said, 'I'm excited, I'll just say that.'" Stark said on the NBC broadcast.
Montgomery has been out since Week 15 with an MCL injury in his left knee. Before going down, he split the backfield evenly with second-year back Jahmyr Gibbs , who has stepped into a workhorse role since Montgomery went down.
Montgomery, 27, signed with the Lions as a free agent in 2023 from Chicago and became a tone-setter thanks to his physical running style and ability to consistently churn out extra yards. Alongside Gibbs and a stout offensive line, Detroit has formed the league's sixth-ranked rushing attack with 2,310 yards and 26 touchdowns coming into Week 18.
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) watches warm up before the game between Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.
FOLLOW ALONG: Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings live score: Updates, highlights from 1 seed battle
Advertisement
Through 14 games, Montgomery had 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 185 carries. He had 13 touchdowns in the regular season in 2023.
Behind Gibbs, the Lions have primarily relied on Craig Reynolds as the backup running back and also have rookie Sione Vaki available and Jermar Jefferson on the practice squad.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: David Montgomery injury update: Detroit Lions RB hints return near
