The Detroit Lions have had a rough go of it this season when it comes to injuries. December football usually brings its fair share of banged-up players, but the Lions seem to have taken the brunt of it. Heading into their matchup against the Buffalo Bills on December 15, Detroit was missing four starting linebackers. Despite the shorthanded defense, the Lions put up a strong fight, losing 48-42 in a high-scoring thriller. While the loss stung, it spoke volumes about the team’s depth and resilience.
Now, though, there’s a flicker of hope amid the injury turmoil, particularly surrounding star running back David Montgomery. After a season filled with setbacks, Montgomery might just be back on the field sooner than expected—though the road to recovery remains uncertain.
David Montgomery’s Injury and Hope for a Return
In the wake of the Bills’ loss, the Lions were hit with another tough blow: Montgomery, who had been one of their most consistent offensive weapons, suffered a knee injury during the game. Initial reports indicated a torn MCL, and on Monday, head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that Montgomery would undergo season-ending surgery. The timing was particularly shocking because Montgomery had continued to play through the pain during the game, leading many to believe the injury wasn’t as severe as it turned out to be.
However, Montgomery’s journey didn’t end there. Despite the devastating news of his surgery, the running back remained upbeat and hopeful. Speaking to reporters at his coat drive event in Detroit on December 17, Montgomery expressed his desire to return this season. While Campbell had suggested that Montgomery’s season was likely over, the running back remained optimistic, saying, “I hope so,” when asked about the possibility of playing again before the year’s end.
In the midst of the injury storm, Montgomery also expressed gratitude for his health and the well-being of his family, stating, “I’m good. I’m alive. I’m well. I can breathe. My son’s healthy. My family’s healthy. I’m good.” His upbeat attitude was a reminder of the bigger picture—life outside of football.
Lions’ Injury Report: New Additions to IR
While Montgomery’s situation provides a glimmer of hope, the Lions aren’t out of the woods yet. On Tuesday, December 17, Detroit made additional moves to place players on injured reserve. Defensive lineman Alim McNeill, cornerback Carlton Davis, and cornerback Khalil Dorsey all joined the ever-growing list of Lions players sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Interestingly, Montgomery was not added to the injury reserve list, raising some eyebrows in the process. NFL analyst Brad Berreman of SideLion Report pointed out that Montgomery’s exclusion from the IR list “could be brushed off as a procedural matter regarding roster spots for players who could potentially return this season.” Still, the decision to keep him off the list has sparked some hope among Lions fans that Montgomery’s season may not be over after all.
Despite the encouraging news about Montgomery’s possible return, Berreman cautioned that the Lions are still facing a grim injury report overall. “There’s not a lot of good injury news for the Lions right now,” Berreman noted, but Montgomery’s situation remains an unexpected bright spot.
Looking Ahead: Detroit Lions Face Chicago Bears
As the Lions prepare to head to Chicago for a December 22 matchup against the Bears, their injury-plagued defense will be a major point of concern. Detroit is currently favored to win, but the team’s depleted defense is likely to keep the game closer than it should be. “An injury-depleted Lions defense will probably keep this game closer than it should be,” noted Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut.
Still, Johnson added that Detroit’s high-powered offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff and a solid supporting cast, should be enough to overcome the Bears. “Detroit’s offense won’t allow for a second consecutive loss,” he concluded, suggesting that despite the defensive setbacks, the Lions’ offensive firepower could carry them to victory.
As the season winds down, the Lions’ playoff hopes remain alive, but they will need to navigate a tough stretch of games with a battered roster. Montgomery’s potential return is a silver lining in what has been a challenging season for Detroit, and fans are holding on to the hope that the running back will be able to suit up once more and make a difference in the final stretch of the season.
For now, the Lions will rely on their depth and resiliency to carry them through, hoping that the injury bug can finally stop biting and that the squad can finish strong.
