David Montgomery's MCL injury deepens challenges for Lions' postseason run

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery will be sidelined indefinitely after suffering an MCL injury during Sunday’s 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Despite the injury, Montgomery managed to finish the game, but tests revealed the extent of the damage, and reports indicate he's likely to miss the remainder of the season. The Lions are awaiting additional tests and a second opinion to confirm the full diagnosis.

Montgomery has been crucial in Detroit’s offense, ranking 20th in the NFL with 775 rushing yards and tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns with 12. His physical, bruising running style has been a key asset to the Lions’ ground attack. His absence now leaves a considerable void in the backfield, particularly as the team seeks to maintain its playoff momentum.

This injury adds to the mounting challenges facing the Lions, who have already dealt with significant injuries on both sides of the ball. In addition to Montgomery, defensive lineman Alim McNeill was also injured in Sunday’s game, adding to the Lions' growing list of key players sidelined. 

Detroit had already lost defensive standouts like Aidan Hutchinson for the season, further depleting the team's depth on defense. With key players out on both sides of the ball, the Lions' once-strong Super Bowl aspirations now seem increasingly distant.

Montgomery’s injury comes at a time when the Lions, despite already securing a playoff spot, are facing a difficult road ahead. Second-year running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who ranks fifth in the NFL with 1,047 rushing yards and tied for seventh with 11 rushing touchdowns, will now take on an even larger role in the offense. Gibbs has also proved to be a valuable asset in the passing game, with 395 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns, making him a dual threat that quarterback Jared Goff will rely on heavily.

With Montgomery out, backup running back Craig Reynolds will likely see an increased role, but it’s Gibbs who will be the focal point of Detroit’s ground game moving forward. 

While the Lions have already locked up a playoff berth, the loss of Montgomery — combined with the growing list of defensive injuries — significantly clouds their Super Bowl hopes. Once viewed as a strong contender, Detroit will now need to rely on its withering depth and grit to remain competitive in the postseason.