The Detroit Lions are returning one of their top offensive players for the postseason while leaving the door open for their top defensive player to return at some point in the playoffs.
David Montgomery is expected to be available when the Lions advance to the divisional round, Lions coach Dan Campbell told reporters Tuesday. The standout running back has been out since Week 15 after reportedly tearing his MCL in a loss to the Buffalo Bills.
There were initially reports that Montgomery would need surgery which could put his season in jeopardy, but he sought differing opinions and decided to hold off on the surgery. There was optimism that Montgomery could return in the Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings, but he ended up being scratched on game day.
Montgomery, along with Jahmyr Gibbs, helped form one of the most productive running back duos in the league. The six-year veteran rushed for 775 yards at 4.2 yards per carry and had 36 receptions for 341 yards. Montgomery’s 12 rushing touchdowns are eighth-most among all running backs in the NFL this season.
But the Lions have been fine while Montgomery has been out. In the three games he missed, they went 3-0, scoring at least 31 points in each win. Gibbs also rushed for at least 100 yards in each game and scored four touchdowns in Sunday’s win over the Vikings, clinching the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
With Montgomery’s return imminent, Aidan Hutchinson’s potential return remains in doubt. The star edge rusher has been sidelined since Week 6 with a broken fibula and tibia, but there have been multiple reports that Hutchinson could return if the Lions make the playoffs.
Campbell did not expect Hutchinson to return at any point in Tuesday’s playoffs. But he did not rule out the possibility.
“Look, let me say it again: He suffered a season-ending injury.” Campbell said. “But if there’s anyone who can come back from this, it’s Aiden.”
Hutchinson has emerged as one of the frontrunners for Defensive Player of the Year, recording 7.5 sacks in the first five games of the season. His absence was felt as Detroit still leads the team by 3.5 points. The Lions’ 37 sacks this season are tied for 23rd in the league. Their entire defensive unit has also struggled a bit recently, giving up at least 31 points in three of their previous four games prior to their 31-9 win over the Vikings.
Rookie cornerback Therion Arnold and right guard Kevin Zeitler also suffered injuries in Detroit’s win over Minnesota. Campbell was optimistic that Arnold (foot contusion) and Zeitler (hamstring) would be able to play in the Lions’ playoff opener.
“We’ve got better news on Zeitler and Arnold,” Campbell said. “I can’t guarantee they’re playing, but they’re a lot better than they looked when the injury happened, so that’s positive news.”
The Lions, who have home-field advantage for the first time in franchise history, are scheduled to return to action on Saturday, January 18 or Sunday, January 19. They will face either the Los Angeles Rams, Vikings or Washington. Commander or Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Round.
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