After David Montgomery suffered a right knee injury last Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell didn't seem overly concerned. Then came reports of a torn MCL on Monday, and Campbell telling reporters Montgomery would need season-ending surgery.
On Tuesday, Montgomery was placed on IR when the Lions announced roster moves. At a coat drive he hosted that night, he suggested some "logistics" that were being gone through with hope he could play again this season. Turns out that was him seeking a third opinion on his injury, and why the Lions did not place him on IR.
Thursday evening brought an update. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, there is now optimism Montgomery will avoid season-ending surgery and be able to return during the playoffs.
"After #Lions RB David Montgomery spent the last few days consulting with medical experts, sources are now optimistic that the star avoided the season-ending surgery that was initially feared.
"Montgomery will rehab with the hope that he can return at some point this postseason."
Rapoport added "it has taken several days and several experts" to give Montgomery a path forward that doesn't involve season-ending surgery.
It has taken several days and several experts, but #Lions RB David Montgomery now has a path forward. And it's one that -- if all goes well -- could put him on the field for the playoffs. https://t.co/l8ibzan5rG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 19, 2024
Here's the clip from Thursday night's edition of "The Insiders", with input from Tom Pelissero and Rapoport expanding on his report a bit.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay Kickoff with @TomPelissero: The #Lions got some actually good injury news, with David Montgomery potentially returning for the playoffs, while the #Steelers will have star edge TJ Watt on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/uTJVgs8FPm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 19, 2024
David Montgomery has a chance to return during the postseason
There is no return timeline for Montgomery right now. If he were placed on IR before Sunday's game against the Bears, likely as part of roster moves that will be announced on Saturday at this point, he would miss the final three regular season games and one playoff game at minimum. Any further delay in putting him on IR, if the Lions do so, would extend his potential return further into the playoffs.
The overriding question is if Montgomery is taking any long-term risk to not have surgery as he attempts to rehab his MCL and play in the playoffs. The idea he could avoid surgery would seem to suggest he does not have a Grade 3 injury (a full tear), and even if he is committed to rehab there's still no guarantee he plays again this season.
Surgery could still come for Montgomery in the offseason, theoretically, whether he suits up again this season or not. So the long-term risk in not having surgery right now seems low, overall, unless he were to injure a different part of his knee.