Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday that he expects running back David Montgomery to return in time for the team’s first playoff game in the divisional round.
Montgomery injured his MCL in Week 15 and was feared to have been lost for the rest of the season. While surgery was an option, the running back sought other opinions and decided to rehab his knee, giving himself the best chance to return at during the playoffs.
The Lions, who have a bye in the wild-card round as the NFC’s No. 1 seed will host the lowest-seed of the wild-card round winners — the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders, or Green Bay Packers — on Jan. 18 or 19.
With Montgomery out, Jahmyr Gibbs — the Sonic to Montgomery’s Knuckles — reeled off three straight 100-plus-yard rushing games in three Lions victories. Gibbs rushed for 365 yards and five touchdowns on 64 carries, while also catching 13 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown.
The 27-year-old Montgomery played 14 games this season for the Lions, recording 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, while also picking up 341 receiving yards out of the backfield.
As for pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who suffered a fractured leg in Week 6, his return remains a long-shot. He was ruled out for the season but said in December that he’s “on track” to reach his goal of returning for Super Bowl LIX should the Lions get there.
Campbell reiterated that Hutchinson’s injury will keep him out until next season, but wouldn’t be shocked to see him on the field again in February.
“He has a season-ending injury, but if anybody can come back from it it’d be Aidan,” Campbell said.