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On Monday, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said running back David Montgomery’s season was likely over as his MCL injury was headed toward surgery.
On Wednesday, the tune was very different.
After the Lions opted not to place Montgomery on injured reserve Tuesday, Campbell explained that the running back is seeking a third medical opinion on his injury and they’re leaving the window open for a potential return.
“David’s getting another opinion,” Campbell said. “So he’s had a couple, and really just see(ing) what this third one says. That’s why we have not put him on injured reserve. We’re in waiting mode here.”
“It is one of these injuries that’s unique, because you need to know: is it stable?” Campbell continued. “Okay, is it fixed or will it scar? If it’s certainly stable for now and for later. And then you’ve got to rely on him. ‘Hey man, I’m good. I can do this.’ So it’s a combination, certainly of the doctors, but of him as well, where he thinks he can go with it and can he protect himself and play at a high level. So we’re in a holding pattern, which, as of right now, that’s a positive.”
At this point, it’s unclear what the timeline will be for a decision on Montgomery’s future. While at a coat drive on Tuesday, Montgomery told Lions team reporter Dannie Rogers that he’s still hoping to return this year.
RB David Montgomery is hosting a coat drive here in Detroit just days after Dan Campbell said he’ll need surgery and will be done for the season.
— Dannie (@dannierogers___) December 17, 2024
Montgomery said he’s alive and well when I asked how he’s feeling. Told me he wasn’t put on IR today because he’s working through… pic.twitter.com/HVGjOSaUAF
In the meantime, the Lions will have to rely on their reserves this week against the Chicago Bears. Obviously, Jahmyr Gibbs will take on a bigger role, but running backs coach/assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery said it will be a three-way competition to see who will complement him in the backfield between Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki, and practice squadder Jermar Jefferson.
“They have an unbelievable opportunity today in practice to compete against each other for some of these opportunities,” Montgomery said. “There are a little bit more opportunities. Of course we’ll continue to make sure Jahmyr gets a little bit more of the action there, but those three guys will have a good chance to compete today for what’s going to happen on Sunday.”
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