David Montgomery DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) is expected to play in the NFC Divisional Round, according to head coach Dan Campbell. The 27-year-old suffered an MCL injury in the Week 15 game against the Buffalo Bills and has missed each of the last three contests. Early reports suggested Montgomery would need surgery and would miss the remainder of the season, but that is not the case. While it's an exciting development for Detroit, Montgomery could be limited by his lower-body ailment upon his return to action. Luckily, the Lions have a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs, giving Montgomery extra time off to rehab and prepare.

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) underwent a full workout on Saturday, according to NBC Sports' Sunday Night Football broadcast. This was Montgomery's first full workout since suffering an MCL sprain in Week 15, and it indicates that the veteran running back could be nearing a return to the field. Head coach Dan Campbell wouldn't comment on his timetable, though, and when NBC Sports' Melissa Stark asked Campbell if Montgomery could play next week, he said, "I'm excited. I'll just say that." That question is moot now that Detroit has clinched a bye through Wild Card Weekend, but the bottom line is that Montgomery might have a real chance to play in the Lions' next game during the Divisional Round. He and Jahmyr Gibbs arguably form the best one-two punch in the NFL, so having both backs healthy for the playoffs would give the Lions an enormous boost.

According to Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News, running back David Montgomery (knee) has been ruled out and running back Craig Reynolds (back) is listed as questionable for Week 18. Montgomery has been sidelined since suffering an MCL sprain during their Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Montgomery is currently eyeing a potential return in the postseason. Reynolds popped up on the injury report on Friday as a non-participant which is not a positive sign for his status for Sunday night. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Jahmyr Gibbs to lead the backfield once again and carry elite RB1 upside. If Reynolds were to be ruled out, Jermar Jefferson will likely slot in as the No.2 option. Jefferson saw a handful of carries near the goal line last weekend but Gibbs led the way as he tallied over 160 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers.

After considering three high-level medical opinions, Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) has decided to forego surgery. He will rehab his MCL in hopes of returning to football action in time for the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. Montgomery has been a major contributor in Detroit this season, totaling 775 rushing yards, 341 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. The Lions should feel good about their backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs leading the way, but getting Montgomery back in January would give them a major boost in their quest to make the Super Bowl.

The Detroit Lions are still deciding on whether to place running back David Montgomery (knee) on Injured Reserve, which would require him to miss at least four games. Head coach Dan Campbell said the team is "optimistic" about Montgomery's ability to return in the playoffs despite suffering an MCL injury in last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills. However, the team still has a decision to make on whether to put Monty on IR. "It certainly sounds more optimistic, that's the best way to say it," Campbell said. If Detroit puts him on IR before their game this Sunday against the division-rival Chicago Bears, Montgomery would not be available to play in the Lions' first playoff game, which might not be until the Divisional Round if the team secures the top overall seed in the NFC. The 27-year-old is out of play in fantasy leagues for the rest of the year, though, with Jahmyr Gibbs now set to take on an even bigger role.