The Detroit Lions have dealt with their fair share of injuries this season, and December football has only added to the toll. While injuries are part of the game, the Lions have been hit particularly hard. Heading into their matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, December 15, Detroit was missing four starting linebackers. Despite the challenges, they nearly pulled off a win, with a final score of 48-42—a testament to the team’s depth.
Now, the Lions finally have some positive news on the injury front.
Detroit Lions Star Could Be Back This Season
Alongside the defensive injuries, the Lions also suffered a significant offensive blow on Sunday, when running back David Montgomery sustained a knee injury. On Monday, head coach Dan Campbell announced that Montgomery had torn his MCL and would require surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the season. Remarkably, Montgomery managed to play through the pain during the game, leading many fans to believe the injury was less severe. The revelation that it was season-ending came as a shock.
However, Montgomery provided a glimmer of hope during his coat drive event in Detroit on Tuesday, December 17. Speaking to reporters, he expressed optimism about returning this season, contradicting earlier reports. His comments also revealed that the Lions had not yet placed him on injured reserve (IR).
“We don’t know. We’re kind of working through the logistics right now. Things may change,” Montgomery said when asked about the possibility of going on IR.
When specifically asked if he expected to play again this season, he replied, “I hope so.” That hope could be a big boost for the Lions.
Montgomery also seemed to be in good spirits, stating, “I’m good. I’m alive. I’m well. I can breathe. My son’s healthy. My family’s healthy. I’m good.”
New Lions Players on IR
On Tuesday, the Lions announced that several other players would be placed on IR, including Alim McNeill, Carlton Davis, and Khalil Dorsey. Notably, Montgomery’s name was absent from the list.
NFL analyst Brad Berreman of SideLion Report weighed in, noting that Montgomery’s omission might not be a coincidence. “(Montgomery not being on IR) could be brushed off as eventually happening and a matter of procedural time in regard to a roster spot for players on IR who could return this season, but it was noticeable and probably not a coincidence,” Berreman wrote in a December 18 feature.
“There’s not a lot of good injury news for the Lions right now,” he added. “Montgomery possibly being able to play again this season is in that category, however unexpectedly after how the news evolved on Monday.”
Looking Ahead to Chicago
The Lions will travel to Soldier Field on Sunday, December 22, to face the Chicago Bears. Despite their injury woes, Detroit remains favored to win. Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut predicts that the injury-depleted defense might make the game closer than expected but believes the Lions’ potent offense will ensure they avoid a second consecutive loss.
