Is David Montgomery playing tonight? Exploring Lions RB's status for NFC Divisional game vs Commanders

The Detroit Lions' playoff hopes have been greatly boosted ahead of their NFC divisional-round matchup against the Washington Commanders on Saturday. Running back David Montgomery, who missed the final three weeks of the regular season with a knee injury, has fully recovered.

He was being surrounded by speculation about potential season-ending surgery. But Montgomery has cleared all doubts about his availability for tonight's crucial playoff game at Ford Field.

"I think the speculation that I was getting surgery or that was kind of the end-all, be-all. Nobody really ever knew," Montgomery said, according to ESPN's Eric Woodyard on Wednesday. "When it got put out, I didn't know that I was getting surgery. So the media told me, so it was news to me."

Syndication: Detroit Free Press - Source: Imagn

The Lions have officially removed David Montgomery from their injury report after he participated fully in all practice sessions this week. This development sets the stage for his return to action in the divisional round.

Montgomery's presence will strengthen a Lions offense that has relied heavily on its ground game. During the regular season, he amassed 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 185 carries across 14 games. He also added 36 receptions for 341 receiving yards.

David Montgomery's impact on the Lions' playoff push

Syndication: Detroit Free Press - Source: Imagn

Coach Dan Campbell expressed enthusiasm about David Montgomery's return to the lineup.

"It'll mean a lot," Campbell said on Thursday. "Five's a big part of us. He's a huge part of us, and to me, he's a bell cow. He's somebody that is a tone-setter. He's a catalyst, so there's a place for him."

The timing couldn't be better for Detroit, as it faces a Washington defense that has struggled against the run. The Commanders ranked 18th in EPA/Rush defensively and allowed 4.8 yards per carry—the third-highest in the NFL during the regular season.

The veteran running back's return adds another dimension to Detroit's offensive arsenal. Montgomery scored touchdowns in all but four of his appearances this season, making him a constant threat near the goal line.

Football fans can catch David Montgomery's playoff return when the Lions host the Commanders at Ford Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with Fox broadcasting the game nationally.