David Montgomery Injury Update: Will the Lions Star Running Back Return?

The Detroit Lions' offense has been struggling this season, and one of the main reasons is the absence of their star running back, David Montgomery. A fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Montgomery has been a workhorse for the Lions, rushing for over 2,000 yards in his first two seasons. However, a nagging knee injury has kept him sidelined for most of the 2022 season, leaving fans and coaches alike wondering if he'll return to the field anytime soon.

For Lions fans, the news is dire - a healthy Montgomery is a crucial component of their offense, and his absence has been felt throughout the season. In 2020, he rushed for 1,ahem,161 yards and five touchdowns, and in 2021, he added another 717 yards and 11 scores. The Lions' running game has been a mess without him, and many are wondering if they'll be able to rebuild without their top back.

The injury news for Montgomery is far from encouraging. He suffered a knee injury in the Lions' season opener and has been on the sidelines ever since. The team has been cautious with his return, with coach Dan Campbell stating that Montgomery will be evaluated on a weekly basis to determine when he can return to the field.

Understanding the Injury

Montgomery's injury is a serious one, and it's unclear how long he'll be sidelined. The knee injury is a sprain, which is a type of injury that causes inflammation and pain in the affected joint. The good news is that sprains are generally not serious, and Montgomery should be able to make a full recovery.

However, the road to recovery will be a long and difficult one. Montgomery will need to undergo physical therapy to strengthen his knee and regain his range of motion. He'll also need to work on his strength and endurance to avoid further injury.

Montgomery's Return: What to Expect

So, when can we expect Montgomery to return to the field? The answer is unclear. Campbell has stated that Montgomery will be evaluated on a weekly basis, which means that his return could be as early as a few weeks or as late as a few months.

In the meantime, the Lions will need to rely on other running backs to fill the void. A.J. Dillon, a rookie out of Notre Dame, has been seeing increased playing time in Montgomery's absence, and he's shown promise.

What's Next for Montgomery

If Montgomery is able to return to the field, what can fans expect from him? The answer is simple - a lot. Montgomery is a workhorse back who can handle a heavy workload. He's rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his two seasons with the Lions, and he's a key component of their offense.

However, the injury has taken a toll on Montgomery, and he'll need to regain his strength and endurance before he can return to the field. Campbell has stated that Montgomery will need to "show us what he's got" before he's able to return, which means that the team will be keeping a close eye on his progress.

Other Running Backs to Watch

While Montgomery is the Lions' top running back, there are other backs who are seeing increased playing time in his absence. A.J. Dillon, as mentioned earlier, has been a bright spot in the Lions' offense, and he's shown promise as a replacement for Montgomery.

Other running backs to watch include:

• James Robinson, a veteran back who was acquired by the Lions in the offseason
• Justin Jefferson, a rookie out of Ohio State who was drafted by the Lions in the fourth round
• Adam Trautman, a tight end who's been seeing increased playing time at running back

The Impact of Montgomery's Injury

Montgomery's injury has had a significant impact on the Lions' offense. The team's running game has been a mess without him, and many fans are wondering if they'll be able to rebuild without their top back.

The injury has also put a lot of pressure on the Lions' other running backs. Dillon, Robinson, and Jefferson have all been seeing increased playing time, and they'll need to step up their game if the Lions are going to compete in the NFC North.

The Coaching Staff's Reaction

Coach Dan Campbell has been relatively optimistic about Montgomery's chances of returning. "We'll just have to wait and see what David shows us," he said in a recent interview. "We'll evaluate him on a weekly basis, and we'll make a decision from there."

The coaching staff has also been working with Montgomery on his rehabilitation, and they're confident that he'll be able to make a full recovery.

Fan Reaction

Lions fans are frustrated with the team's lack of progress without Montgomery. Many are wondering if the team will be able to rebuild without their top back, and they're anxious to see Montgomery return to the field.

Conclusion

The David Montgomery injury update is a dire one for Lions fans. The team's offense has been struggling without him, and many are wondering if they'll be able to rebuild without their top back. However, with a long and difficult rehabilitation process ahead, Montgomery's return is far from certain.

In the meantime, the Lions will need to rely on other running backs to fill the void. A.J. Dillon, James Robinson, and Justin Jefferson are just a few of the backs who are seeing increased playing time, and they'll need to step up their game if the Lions are going to compete in the NFC North.

Stay tuned for further updates on Montgomery's injury, and let's hope that he's able to make a full recovery and return to the field soon.