“Knuckles” seems to pair up with “Sonic” right away in the NFL playoffs.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters Tuesday that he expects David Montgomery to be available in the backfield for the team’s divisional round playoff game.
The Lions get a bye as the No. 1 seed in the NFC and will host the lowest seed of the wild-card round winners. Those teams would be the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders or Green Bay Packers.
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Lions running back David Montgomery runs for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Dec. 5, 2024. (IMAGE)
This is a big development for the Lions, a team ravaged by injuries all season, as Montgomery suffered a MCL injury in Week 15.
There was an initial fear that he would be out for the rest of the season, which would have been a devastating blow to the team, even with the talent that Jahmyr Gibbs possesses at the position.
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But Montgomery didn’t take surgery as the only option, seeking different opinions from doctors on how he could rehabilitate his knee and be available for his team in the playoffs. That decision seems to have worked.
While Montgomery has been rehabbing, Gibbs has been thriving with the increased workload, including a four-touchdown game that clinched the No. 1 seed in Week 18 against the Vikings.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) hands off to running back David Montgomery during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. (David Reginek-Imagn Images)
Gibbs has scored three consecutive 100+ yard rushing games since becoming the true leading rusher. He has totaled 365 yards rushing on 64 carries and has passed for 13 yards for 122 yards with one touchdown.
But the Lions’ offense has benefited from the use of Montgomery and Gibbs this season, as the former has 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, in addition to 341 receiving yards.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s luxury of having two hard-hitting running backs who can get the job done regardless of handicap and distance has done wonders for his scheme, which also features a dynamic passing game led by quarterback Jared Goff.
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery runs for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter at Ford Field. (Images by Lon Horwedel-Imagn)
While the Lions will still be without key players, including star running back Aidan Hutchinson, who broke his leg in Week 6 and is considered a long shot to be available the rest of the way, they will grab as many healthy players as they can. can get, especially one that has had such an offensive impact.
