Lions RB David Montgomery gets massive injury update ahead of divisional round showdown against red-hot Commanders

David Montgomery has not been seen on the field since he gravely hurt his MCL in a Week 15 loss against the Buffalo Bills. However, as his Detroit Lions prepare to face the highly motivated Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round on Saturday, there has been a very encouraging update on him.

On Tuesday, the running back was announced to be a full participant in that day's practice.

He also made himself available to the media, calling his return "refreshing" and disclosing that he did not know how severe his injury actually was.

"I didn’t know that I was getting surgery," Montgomery said. "The media told me, so it was news to me, but I’m always pretty confident in who I am and how I prepare.

“The closer we get (to the Super Bowl), the more vivid (the dreams) become… I know we gon be there.”

In David Montgomery's absence, sophomore Jahmyr Gibbs continued his excellence, winning NFC Player of the Month, making another Pro Bowl and clinching a rushing touchdowns co-title.

Also returning to Tuesday's practice was rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold, who exited the season finale against the Minnesota Vikings with a foot contusion. Guard Kevin Zeitler (hamstring), defensive end Pat O'Connor (calf), and another rookie cornerback in Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring/illness) did not participate.

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Lions HC Dan Campbell explains David Montgomery's return, offensive importance

One person who is most elated to see David Montgomery on the field again is head coach Dan Campbell. Speaking to the press on Monday, he said the "thunder" back's return "will mean a lot."

“Five’s a big part of us, and to me, he’s a bell cow, a tone-setter, he’s a catalyst, so there’s a place for him... So it’s going to be good to get him back," Campbell said.

"We'll have our walkthrough today and really tomorrow will be our heavy lifting practice... We know that he's looked good in his rehabilitation. Let's see him with bodies around, full-speed. We need to get a true gauge of just where he's at... Get his confidence back in, and then we can kind of gauge, 'Okay, man. This is where David's at.'"

Kickoff for the Lions-Commanders game is at 8 PM ET on Fox.