What happened to David Montgomery? Lions handed major injury blow with NFL playoffs around the corner

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Sunday that Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is out indefinitely. This comes after an MCL injury during the team's loss to the Buffalo Bills. The injury could potentially sideline Montgomery for the entire season, delivering a critical blow to the Lions's playoff hopes.

The injury occurred during a wild 48-42 shootout against the Bills. Montgomery managed five carries for four yards before limping off the field in the second quarter. Initially, there was hope when he remained on the sideline, but he could not return to the game.

"We never got our run game going," coach Dan Campbell candidly admitted after the game. "It's two weeks in a row. It's not good enough."

Campbell's tone underscores the timing of David Montgomery's injury, which comes at a crucial point in the season.

David Montgomery's 2024 stats are intriguing. Before the injury, he had rushed for 775 yards on 185 carries and averaged 4.2 yards per carry. He scored 12 touchdowns and added 36 receptions for 341 yards.

The Lions had invested significantly in the running back, signing him to a three-year, $18 million deal last year. They extended his contract with a two-year, $18.25 million agreement in October.

The Bills's defense played a significant role in the game's narrative. They completely shut down the Lions's ground game, holding Montgomery and his backfield partner Jahmyr Gibbs to a combined 35 rushing yards.

Bills coach Sean McDermott noted a marked improvement in his team's defensive intensity.

"I thought they came out ready to play. You could tell there was an attitude and a focus about them."

Lions' playoff pressure mounts amidst David Montgomery's injury

David Montgomery in action during Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions. (Credits: Getty)

The Detroit Lions face a critical challenge with additional testing and a second medical opinion pending. The team's dynamic running back duo, nicknamed "Sonic and Knuckles," has been disrupted. Jahmyr Gibbs will now shoulder a significantly increased workload.

Buffalo's game plan exposed the Lions' vulnerabilities. The Bills's early offensive surge forced Detroit to abandon their ground attack. They attempted only 15 rushes in the game, with the offense becoming increasingly pass-dependent.

David Montgomery's potential season-ending injury comes at the worst possible time. The Lions are battling for playoff positioning, and losing their versatile running back could dramatically alter their offensive strategy. The upcoming Week 16 matchup against the Bears will be a crucial test of the team's resilience.

A source close to the team suggested the Lions will likely place Montgomery on injured reserve in the coming days.