When David Montgomery suffered a gnarly knee injury, it was fair to assume that it was a season-ender for the Detroit Lions running back.
But it sure sounds like Monty will be back in the fold when the Lions host the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. I thought Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell was bluffing when I saw this cross my timeline a week ago…
… but after seeing NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero share news from Detroit’s injury report that Montgomery was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, it seems as if the Lions’ head coach wasn’t wish-casting. Getting a full participation designation in practice nearly one month after he was believed to have a season-ending injury is one of the most unlikely stories you’ll read. And even though he is playing for a division rival, I am rooting for David Montgomery to complete this comeback.
David Montgomery’s comeback is almost complete
It has been a wild ride the last month (or so) for David Montgomery. To go from being presumed to be out for the season … to pushing to return for your team’s playoff run … to getting a full participation designation in your first practice back is unheard of in NFL circles. The amount of grit, determination, and good fortune to run that gamut to make it back to a place where your coach expects you to play boggles my mind.
David Montgomery was on track for another great season for the Lions. Heck, it was a solid year despite missing time with an injury. Montgomery rushed for 775 yards and scored 12 touchdowns in 14 games. The former Bears running back was on pace for a second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season in Detroit and the third of his career before the knee injury took him out of the Lions’ game against the Bills. If Monty has a clean week of practice, he’ll reunite with Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield and give Detroit a formidable tandem of running backs that will be tough for the Washington Commanders to stop.
With that being said, I am looking forward to seeing what the Lions’ offense looks like in the playoffs. After all, this might as well be treated like another Ben Johnson audition or pseudo-interview. Detroit’s offensive coordinator is the hot candidate in this hiring cycle. And while the Bears are in the mix, they are not alone.