Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery seems to have narrowly avoided a serious injury during the Week 12 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Montgomery left the field in the second half, having removed his shoulder pads, and was declared questionable to return due to a shoulder issue. Despite this setback, he expressed optimism in the locker room, indicating he expects to be fit for the Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears.
In what was shaping up to be another impressive performance, Montgomery had logged 37 rushing yards and a touchdown, alongside three receptions for 36 yards before exiting. His injury occurred after a significant play where he demonstrated his power by breaking through a tackle. Although he did not return to the game, fellow running back Jahmyr Gibbs stepped up to help carry the offensive load.
The Lions confirmed Montgomery’s questionable status toward the end of the game, while also announcing that wide receiver Kalif Raymond would not return due to a foot injury. Nevertheless, Montgomery returned to the sideline outfitted in his gear but ultimately did not reenter the contest.
Montgomery has been instrumental in the Lions’ offensive strategy, complementing Gibbs’ dynamic playing style. Entering the game, he had amassed 595 rushing yards on 137 carries and scored 10 touchdowns, in addition to 205 receiving yards. Amidst a flurry of injuries, the Lions did receive encouraging news when left tackle Taylor Decker, who had briefly exited for an evaluation after a concerning play, confirmed that he felt fit to continue.
As the Lions prepare for their upcoming game against the Bears, fans remain hopeful that Montgomery will indeed suit up, allowing the team to maintain its competitive edge during this vital stretch of the season. The blend of Montgomery’s power running and Gibbs’ speed has been a crucial element of the Lions’ offensive success, and having both players healthy could provide a significant advantage against Chicago.