Lions Face Tough Challenge Replacing David Montgomery: Options on the Table
The Detroit Lions suffered a major setback Sunday with the loss of star running back David Montgomery to an MCL injury. Montgomery, on track for his second consecutive 1,000-yard season and third overall, was a cornerstone of the NFL’s top backfield duo alongside Jahmyr Gibbs. Now, the Lions must scramble to fill the void left by Montgomery’s production as they march toward the playoffs.
Montgomery’s Impact on the Lions’ Offense
Montgomery has been sensational this season, tallying 775 rushing yards on 187 carries, 12 touchdowns, and 341 receiving yards on 36 receptions. Together with Gibbs, they formed a thunder-and-lightning combination that anchored Ben Johnson’s league-leading offense. While Montgomery powered through defenses with his bruising running style, Gibbs brought speed and elusiveness.
Despite this loss, head coach Dan Campbell remains confident in his team’s resilience. “We still got a good offense,” Campbell declared in a press conference. “And I don’t give a crap if we have to win by one point for the rest of the year, that’s what we’re gonna do. And I’m gonna be happy about it.”
Slim Hope for Montgomery’s Return
Montgomery is consulting multiple doctors for additional opinions and hasn’t ruled out a playoff return. Known for his relentless drive, Montgomery remains determined to contribute, but for now, the Lions must press forward without him.
Internal Options to Replace Montgomery
Craig Reynolds
The most immediate solution lies within the team. Craig Reynolds, the Lions’ No. 3 running back, has shown flashes of brilliance. Signed by Detroit in 2021, Reynolds burst onto the scene with an 83-yard rushing performance in his Lions debut. His career highlights include a 112-yard game against the Cardinals in 2021 and a pivotal block last season that earned national praise.
Sione Vaki
Rookie Sione Vaki offers another intriguing option. Though he’s seen limited action, Vaki made an impressive play earlier this season with a 17-yard reception on a fake punt. At 5’11” and 213 pounds, Vaki’s speed and versatility make him a potential game-changer. During his college career, he excelled on both sides of the ball, racking up 543 rushing yards and 352 receiving yards alongside his defensive contributions.
External Candidates to Consider
Lions GM Brad Holmes has a knack for finding hidden gems, and with practice squads brimming with talent, the Lions could look outside the organization to bolster their backfield.
Zonovan Knight
Former Lion Zonovan “Bam” Knight, currently on the Jets’ practice squad, could be a strong candidate. Knight logged 300 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards during his rookie season with New York and is familiar with the Lions’ offensive system.
Royce Freeman
Another possibility is veteran Royce Freeman, now on the Bears’ practice squad. Freeman, a former third-round pick, has 1,187 career rushing yards and eight touchdowns to his name. His combination of speed and power could make him an ideal fit for Detroit’s ground game.
The Path Forward
The Lions face a critical stretch as they fight for the NFC’s top seed. Their next test comes against the Chicago Bears, and with Montgomery sidelined, the team must adapt quickly. Whether relying on Gibbs, promoting from within, or adding external reinforcements, Detroit’s Super Bowl aspirations hinge on how well they manage this latest adversity.
As Campbell put it, “This team was built for adversity.” The Lions will need every ounce of that resilience to keep their championship dreams alive.
