The Detroit Lions are more optimistic about David Montgomery returning at some point in the NFL playoffs than they were immediately after he suffered a knee injury in last week’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, but Lions coach Dan Campbell said Friday the team still is weighing whether to make a roster move with its veteran running back.
“We’ve still got a decision to make because even if that is the case (that he returns) it’s a matter of, do you put him on IR, do you see how fast he can come back from it, all that,” according to Campbell.
“But it certainly sounds more optimistic, that’s probably the best way to say it.” The Lions first assumed Montgomery would require season-ending surgery after scans revealed he tore the MCL in his right knee.
Montgomery elected to postpone surgery and rehab his knee in hopes of returning in time for the playoffs. The Lions (12-2) have three regular-season games remaining: Sunday at the Chicago Bears, Week 17 at the San Francisco 49ers, and the season finale at home against the Minnesota Vikings.
Montgomery would have to miss at least four weeks if the Lions put him on injured reserve. The earliest he may return is for the divisional round of the playoffs on January 18-19.
“I guess whatever has been put out there is what it is,” Campbell remarked. “That is optimistic, based on the last two doctors he saw. So I believe we’ll see where this thing goes. Campbell also stated that cornerback Carlton Davis III is unlikely to return late in the playoffs after suffering a broken jaw against the Bills, though that chance remains open. The Lions placed Davis on injured reserve earlier this week.
“I’d say nothing has changed as of right now,” Campbell remarked. “It does not appear likely that he will return. Doesn’t mean it won’t happen; it’s just that I don’t expect it right now.”
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