Lions in 'holding pattern' as David Montgomery will get third opinion on knee injury

Richard Silva, The Detroit News on Dec 18, 2024

Published in Football

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ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions are not yet ready to say David Montgomery's season is over.

Despite head coach Dan Campbell previously labeling Montgomery's knee issue (an MCL injury) one that would "require surgery that'll put him out through the rest of the year," the Lions did not place him on injured reserve Tuesday along with defensive lineman Alim McNeill (knee) and cornerbacks Carlton Davis III (jaw) and Khalil Dorsey (leg).

Campbell described why Wednesday, explaining that Detroit is in "waiting mode" regarding Montgomery because the running back is seeking a third opinion from a doctor. Montgomery suffered his injury against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday, though it's unclear exactly when because he finished the game.

"It's a combination, certainly, of the doctors, but him as well, where he thinks he can go with it," Campbell said of how the Lions will come to their final decision. "And can he protect himself and play at a high level? We're in a holding pattern, which, as of right now, is a positive."

Campbell said the focus will be about the stability of Montgomery's knee — both now and in the future. Montgomery has been a key piece in Detroit's offense since signing with the Lions in March 2023. He's rushed for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns this season to go along with 341 receiving yards.

Melifonwu's 21-day window open; Cominsky return 'unlikely'

Campbell delivered two other injury notes Wednesday, one positive and one negative.

Starting with the good news: Ifeatu Melifonwu's 21-day practice window has been opened, meaning he's eligible to be activated off of injured reserve at any moment. Campbell said Monday the team would think about getting Melifonwu on the active roster for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, but he'd have to see how he looks at practice this week.

Moving to the not-so-good news: It looks like defensive lineman John Cominsky may not be able to get back on the field this season. Cominsky went down with a knee injury in training camp, and the Lions hoped he'd be able to return either late in the regular season or in the playoffs.

"I think it's unlikely," Campbell said Wednesday. "Man, he's tried. He's rehabbed, he's doing it. It's just trying to get over the last little hump here, it's been tough. He's doing everything he can, and those guys are doing a heck of a job rehabbing him trying to get him back. But I think it's unlikely."

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