The Lions suffered another crushing blow Sunday when running back David Montgomery was lost with an MCL injury. On his way to a second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season and third overall, the Lions must find a way to replace Montgomery’s exceptional production.
Montgomery has been sensational this season as one-half of the NFL’s best running back duo with Jahmyr Gibbs. With 775 yards in 187 carries with 12 touchdowns and 36 receptions for another 341 yards, his total combined yardage was already over 1,100 yards. But the absence of Montgomery in the backfield is an enormous blow to the Lions’ Super Bowl hopes. Ben Johnson’s NFL-leading offense was often centered around alternating possessions with the dynamic duo of Montgomery and Gibbs. Their different running styles perfectly complement each other. With “Knuckles” (Montgomery) the power back grinding it out with multiple defenders needed to bring him down, “Sonic” the lithe speedster can dart past defenders and reach the open field.
But brushing these concerns aside, Coach Dan Campbell insists this is simply one more obstacle the team will overcome. This team was built for adversity. “We still got a good offense,” Campbell stated emphatically in his 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.”
Holding Out A Slim Hope For Montgomery’s Return Having been previously sidelined for several weeks with a knee sprain during his time with the Chicago Bears, Montgomery missed out on what would have been another 1,000-yard season. However, few athletes are more driven than Montgomery. Despite the injury, he would be on the field if it were up to him. But Montgomery is seeking additional doctors’ opinions and not ruling out the possibility of a playoff return.
But regardless the team still has to find a way to address Montgomery’s current absence. Here are three possible options for the Lions.
Internal Candidates to Replace Montgomery
Although the Lions will rely heavily on Gibbs in Montgomery’s absence, he can’t play every snap. Referencing the four latest injuries during his press conference, Campbell pointed out several bench players who hadn’t seen much action would be getting a great opportunity. Possible candidates to replace Montgomery include Craig Reynolds, the Lions’ number three running back.
Reynolds has been with the Lions since 2021. Signed as an undrafted free agent by Washington in 2019, he played in his first NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers in October of that year. Waived two weeks later, Reynolds spent time on the practice squads of the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars before signing with Detroit. In his first appearance for the Lions, he rushed for 83 yards on 11 carries against the Denver BroncosAlthough the Lions lost that game 10–38, Reynolds got his first NFL start the following week against the Arizona Cardinals. Gaining 112 yards on 26 carries, Reynolds was instrumental in the Lions 30-12 win. Last season, Reynolds scored his first NFL touchdown in a game against the Carolina Panthers. The Lions won the game 42-24. Later that season, Reynolds made national headlines for a crucial block in a 20-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers resulting in an Amon-Ra St. Brown touchdown. Ironically, the defender he shoved out of the way and sent flying, was his future Lions teammate, Carlton Davis, III.
Another Lions Internal Candidate
In addition to Reynolds, another familiar Lion who could pick up the slake is rookie running back Sione Vaki. Although the rookie hasn’t been seen much action, he made an outstanding play earlier in the season when he caught a 17-yard fake punt from Jack Fox.
The 5’11”, 213-pound Vaki brings speed and versatility. In high school and college, Vaki excelled on both sides of the football. Playing only two years of college football, he recorded 92 tackles, three pass defenses, one forced fumble, two sacks, and two interceptions. On offense, he rushed for 543 yards on 66 carries with four touchdowns. He added another 352 yards on 16 receptions with three more touchdowns. An exciting young rookie, Vaki could become an impact player for the Lions.
Lions Could Sign External Candidates To Replace Montgomery
Lions GM Brad Holmes has become adept at poaching talented candidates from NFL practice squads. Holmes went on quite the Black Friday shopping spree. Kwon Alexander, Jonah Williams, Myles Adams, and Jamal Adams were signed immediately to replace injured Lions defenders. Holmes might find a few intriguing running backs on NFL practice squads.Former Lions running back Zonovan Knight is available on the New York Jets practice squad. A year ago, the 5’10” 209 lb. “Bam” was on the practice squad with Detroit. But before that, he made the New York Jets 53-man roster as a UFDA in 2022. Out of seven games for the Jets that year, Knight started four. He earned 300 yards on 85 carries with one touchdown. He added another 100 yards on 13 receptions. Since the Jets brought him back this year, they have confidence in his abilities. The fact that he is familiar with the Lions’ offensive scheme also works to his advantage.
Another option might be six-year NFL journeyman Royce Freeman. Currently signed to the Chicago Bears practice squad, the 6.’0″ 238 lb. Freeman brings both speed and power. Selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2018 draft, Freeman recorded 1,187 yards on 297 carries with eight touchdowns. He posted another 409 yards on 69 receptions with one touchdown.
Although Freeman has made the rounds of three NFL practice squads including the Bears, Browns, and Cowboys, he has not made an active roster this season. That could change with the Lions if they see a good fit.
Regardless of which player or players the Lions elect to go with, winning their next game against Chicago will be critical if the Lions hope to secure the number-one seed in the NFC.
