Lions Sign Young RB After Knee Injury Knocked David Montgomery Out Late Last Season

It is hard to argue that the Lions need Small per say, given how successful the running game has been since former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson -- the current head coach of the Chicago Bears after departing Detroit for that opportunity this spring -- paired Montgomery and Gibbs together ahead of the 2023 season.

However, Montgomery will play his seventh NFL campaign in 2025 at the age of 28. He also suffered an MCL injury late last season that cost him the final three games down the stretch. He returned after a first-round bye to play against the Washington Commanders, though carried the football just seven times for 28 yards in the Lions' 45-31 home loss.

Montgomery also missed three games the year prior and four games with the Bears in 2021 due to injury issues. There is no indication currently that he won't be back at full strength to begin the 2025 campaign, but Detroit is clearly covering its bases in case injury befalls the elder statesman in its RB room once again this season.

Small didn't log a single carry during his rookie year with the Titans after going undrafted in April 2024, according to Pro Football Reference.

He gained a total of 2,122 rushing yards and scored 24 touchdowns on the ground on 5.1 yards per carry over his four-year career at the University of Tennessee. Small also caught 32 passes for 247 yards and two scores.