David Montgomery Knee Injury: Injury Crisis Continues for Detroit Lions: Montgomery’s Knee Injury Adds to Growing List | NFL News

(Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images)

(Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images)

Lions running back David Montgomery is on the ground after a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (IMAGN)

(Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images)

(Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images)

Lions running back David Montgomery is on the ground after a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (IMAGN)

(Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images)

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is facing another major setback this season as he requires season-ending knee surgery for a season-ending ACL tear during the team’s loss to the Buffalo Bills. With the Lions battling injuries for most of the season, this will leave another gaping hole in their offense due to the loss of Montgomery.
Montgomery suffered his injury late in the second quarter and limped off the field. But he returned for the rest of the afternoon and played into the fourth quarter, where he took his final snap with 10:34 left. Campbell raved about Montgomery’s toughness. “David is so tough, man,” the head coach said. “He kept playing through it and then looked at it today and realized what it was. “He’s just the ultimate teammate, the ultimate competitor. We’re going to miss him, man.”

Lions running back David Montgomery is on the ground after a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (IMAGN)

Montgomery has been a key figure in Detroit’s offensive success this season, complementing rookie Jahmyr Gibbs in the backcourt. While Gibbs was the explosive speedster, Montgomery was the reliable workhorse, powering through tackles and handling close-range situations. Without him, the Lions lose an important part of their offense.

A larger role for Gibbs and new faces in the backfield

With Montgomery ruled out, the Lions would definitely rely more on Gibbs as his role as a deep threat will certainly be increased. Reynolds could then take the lead in short yardage, while freshman Sione Vaki could take more reps beyond that. However, a loss on offense could be a hope for these players to still play in place of Montgomery.

A series of setbacks for the Lions

Montgomery’s injury is just the latest in a series of tough breaks for the Lions, whose defense has been plagued by injuries in recent weeks. Campbell confirmed that defensive lineman Alim McNeill suffered a season-ending ACL tear and cornerback Carlton Davis is out indefinitely with a broken jaw. The Lions currently have a total of 18 players on injured reserve, 13 of which are defensemen. Key stars like Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes are still out.

The Lions’ resilience to injury

Despite all the injuries, Campbell remains optimistic and determined. He acknowledged that the team had lost some of its best players, but stressed that no one would give them a break. “No one cares and no one is going to give us a pass or put an asterisk next to your file,” he said. “So that means some people are going to have an incredible opportunity… They’re about to get it.”
The Lions must now find a way to overcome the setbacks and continue to push forward. With a 12-2 record and a playoff spot already secured, their Super Bowl aspirations are still intact, but they will have to work hard to overcome mounting injuries.
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