DETROIT – Detroit Lions tailback David Montgomery says he is seeking a third opinion on his injured knee as the team considers placing him on injured reserve.
Head coach Dan Campbell announced the decision on Wednesday (Dec. 18) during his press conference ahead of the Chicago Bears matchup.
“David’s getting another opinion, so he’s had a couple and really just see what this third one says,” said Campbell. “That’s why we’ve not put him on injured reserve, as we’re in waiting mode here.”
It has been feared that Knuckles (Montgomery) tore his MCL during the Lions' 48-42 defeat against the Buffalo Bills inside Ford Field.
Montgomery’s status depends on whether his knee is stable, whether it would scar, and whether he can return to Knuckles form by brushing defenders on the field.
“It is one of these injuries that’s unique because you need to know if it’s stable, is it fixed or will it scar and certainly be stable for now and for later, and then you got to rely on him,” Campbell said. “Like if he comes to me and say, ‘Hey man, I’m good, I can do this.’ It’s a combination certainly of the doctors, but him as well, where he thinks he can go with it and can he protect himself and play at a high level, and so we’re in a holding pattern, which, as of right now, is a positive.”
Montgomery gave an update on his injury during his partnership with The Yunion, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting the youth, while teaming up for a community coat drive on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.
During the event, Knuckles said he would be cheering from the sidelines for the Lions' remaining three games.
“We’re still trying to figure things out and trying to figure out what’s the best way and the smartest way to go about it,” said Montgomery. “We got guys that when people go down that you can rely on as they’re very reliable, so, this sucks, and it’s very unfortunate that I happened to be one of the guys that is down, but we got more than enough firepower to get the job done. I’ll be cheering from the sidelines.”
Montgomery had nothing holding him up during the press conference, but he seemed to be in good spirits while partnering with the nonprofit for the coat drive.
--> Lions' David Montgomery gives injury update while supporting Detroit youth community coat drive
As the Lions play the waiting game, second-year back Jahmyr Gibbs (Sonic) is ready to step in to be the franchise player.
Gibbs has accumulated over 1,000 rushing on the season (1,047) with 11 house calls.
Through 14 games, the sophomore back has averaged 5.6 yards per carry, which is fourth in the NFL behind MVP candidates Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (6.4), Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (5.9), and Ravens tailback Derrick Henry (5.8).
But Knuckles' presence will be missed.
Montgomery finished the season with 775 rushing yards on 4.2 yards per carry and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 36 passes for 341 yards.
However, the relationship between the characters will be missed personally.
