The Detroit Lions could get running back David Montgomery back in the lineup much sooner than anticipated after he met with another doctor.
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The original belief was that Montgomery would undergo season-ending surgery after tearing his MCL against the Buffalo Bills. However, he sought a third opinion. Now there is a possibility that he could return during the playoffs after rehabbing the injury.
"That's optimistic with a couple of doctors that he saw, the last two," head coach Dan Campbell said on Friday. "So, I think we may see where this thing goes.
"We've still got a decision to make because even if that is the case it's a matter of, do you put him on IR, do you see how fast he can come back from it, all that. But it certainly sounds more optimistic, that's probably the best way to say it."
Montgomery has been a key part of the Lions' 1-2 punch on offense. He and Jahmyr Gibbs split carries out of the backfield as they each provide something different to the rushing attack. Montgomery is the bruising running back that wears down the defense. Gibbs is the flashy speedster.
The two have delivered numerous big plays for the Lions this season while helping the team top 2,000 total rushing yards. Gibbs has 1,047 yards on the ground with 11 touchdowns. Montgomery has 775 rushing yards with 12 touchdowns. Each running back also has more than 340 receiving yards.
With Montgomery set to miss his first game of the season, the Lions will turn to Gibbs to provide a spark against the Bears' 26th-ranked run defense. Who backs him up during the game remains in question considering that the Lions have three main options available — Sione Vaki, Craig Reynolds, and practice squad running back Jermar Jefferson.
Judging by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's comments, Jefferson could see some opportunities as Montgomery goes through the rehabilitation process. The former Oregon State Beaver has impressed Johnson and the coaching staff.
"He's really deserving of a chance here this week to show what he's made out of," Johnson said this week, per the Lions website.
"He's almost like a silent assassin, he goes about his business, he's coming in, he's working, don't even hear a peep from him in the unit meetings, but you know when you're watching him on scout team and how he's going about his job, he's taking it very seriously, he's very professional and I'm looking forward to him getting a chance this week."
