Lions get good news on David Montgomery, 'more optimistic' about potential return

Richard Silva, The Detroit News on Dec 20, 2024

Published in Football

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ALLEN PARK, Mich. — After recently receiving some good news, Lions head coach Dan Campbell is much more optimistic about potentially getting running back David Montgomery back at some point this season.

Montgomery suffered an MCL injury against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday and the original thought shared by Campbell on Monday was that Montgomery was going to have to undergo season-ending surgery. Campbell changed his tune two days later, explaining the Lions were in a "holding pattern" as Montgomery sought a third opinion.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday evening that Montgomery "spent the last few days consulting with medical experts" and that "sources are now optimistic that the star avoided the season-ending surgery that was initially feared." Rapoport said a return in the playoffs was on the table.

"I guess whatever has been put out there is what it is," Campbell said Friday. "Optimistic with a couple of doctors he saw, the last two. I think we may see where this thing goes. We've still got a decision to make. Because even if that is the case, it's a matter of do you put him on IR or do you see how fast he can come back from it? All that."

A player must miss four weeks if placed on injured reserve.

"It certainly sounds more optimistic, is probably the best way to say it," Campbell added.

Montgomery has rushed for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns this season to go along with 341 receiving yards. Expect the Lions to lean on some combination of Craig Reynolds, Jermar Jefferson and Sione Vaki to complement Jahmyr Gibbs while Montgomery is sidelined.

Other injury notes

With the exception of Montgomery, every member of Detroit's active roster was spotted Friday during the portion of practice open to reporters. That includes center Frank Ragnow (back) and left guard Graham Glasgow (knee), both of whom missed practice Tuesday and Wednesday.

Campbell was more optimistic about Ragnow. He said the Lions would turn to either Kayode Awosika or rookie Christian Mahogany if Glasgow, who was deemed questionable, is unable to go against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

Also mentioned by Campbell were defensive backs Carlton Davis III (jaw) and Ifeatu Melifonwu (hand) and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck). A late-season return for Davis still seems unlikely, but Melifonwu and Reeves-Maybin are on their way to getting back on the field after having their 21-day practice windows opened.

"So much of this was about getting his legs back under him (and) getting him comfortable," Campbell said of Melifonwu. "We're working in some stuff and just (want to see) where he's at. But it's good to have him back and it's good to see him out there functioning, working the position. That's a good thing."

Campbell said he was "not closed to" Melifonwu potentially playing against the Bears. Melifonwu, along with Glasgow and Brian Branch (calf), is questionable.

Of Reeves-Maybin, Campbell added: "Really good to get him back out there. Yesterday was his first day. He's another one, let's just work yourself back into practice. We had him do a little bit of scout team, he did some individual (drills). That's the first step. I don't see him playing this week, but that was good."

Surviving the elements

After playing their last three games in the friendly confines of Ford Field, the Lions will go back out on the road against the Bears. Not only that, but Soldier Field will serve as their second true outdoor environment this season, with the first being Green Bay's Lambeau Field in November.

In preparation for the cold weather, the Lions have opted to practice outside this week rather than inside the practice facility. That included Friday, when some snow flurries were coming down.

"I think it’s good for us just to get back on the road," Campbell said. "It’s been good to be home, but let’s go. … I’ve liked our practices. We’ve been outside the last two days; we’ll go out again (Friday), and those guys are pretty energized. It brings a different level of juice to those guys outside.

"The bigs love it. We’ve got a lot of skill out there that are running around that enjoy it, too."

The Lions will also play outdoors at the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30.