Is David Montgomery playing today vs Bears? Exploring Lions RB's status for Week 16

The Detroit Lions are comfortably top of the NFC, having essentially locked up the No. 1 seed in the conference. While that is an admirable feat, it came at a steep price.

The Lions have been hit with a laundry list of injuries in recent weeks. The most recent name to pick up a season-ending injury is running back David Montgomery, who sustained a sprained MCL during last Sunday's 48-42 loss to Josh Allen's Buffalo Bills.

---

Is David Montgomery playing today vs the Chicago Bears?

Losing a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Aidan Hutchinson was bad enough but losing your premier running back during the business end of the season will probably hurt just as much.

While the Lions have not exactly announced how long Montgomery will be out, he will likely have to sit out the rest of the season due to his MCL injury. After Sunday's loss to the Bills, head coach Dan Campbell told reporters:

"Looks like he's going to require surgery that'll put him out for the rest of the year. He had gotten it at some point yesterday in that game.

"I mean, David's so tough. He continued to play through and then got it checked out today and realized that's what it was. He's just the ultimate teammate, ultimate competitor. We're going to miss him, man."

However, NFL insider Ian Rapoport announced that there is a chance Montgomery could be back for the playoffs next month.

Alongside Jahmyr Gibbs, Montgomery formed arguably the most dynamic backfield in the league. Before his injury, Montgomery racked up 185 handoffs for 775 yards and 12 scores.

---

Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears injury report

Alongside Montgomery, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin is out of Week 16 with a neck injury. He was a limited participant in practice this week but Week 16 will come too early for the Detroit LB. DB Brian Branch, G Graham Glasgow and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu are all listed as questionable.

Over on Chicago's side of things, running back Roschon Johnson is listed with a concussion but does not have an injury designation for this game so expect to see him on the field. DL Gervon Dexter Sr., OL pair Teven Jenkins and Braxton Jones, and DB Jaylon Johnson are all listed as questionable.