When Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery suffered a right MCL injury in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills, it seemed more likely than not his season would be over. But he found a doctor who told him he didn't necessarily have to have surgery, and he has gone the rehab route with eyes on a return for the playoffs.
During Sunday night's television broadcast, it was revealed Montgomery went through a full workout over the weekend and felt good coming out of it.
During his press conference on Tuesday, head coach Dan Campbell had a concise answer when asked if he expects Montgomery to return next week.
"I do. I do,” Campbell said.
It's fair to wonder if Montgomery would be able to play if the Lions were playing a wild card game. But with them having a bye, it's a moot point and it looks like he'll be back to team with Jahmyr Gibbs in the Divisional Round.
Lions injury updates: David Montgomery, Terrion Arnold, Carlton Davis, Aidan Hutchinson
Montgomery is the probably the biggest headliner, but Campbell had a bunch of other injury updates on Tuesday when a run of questions came about more players.
Cornerback Terrion Arnold and guard Kevin Zeitler: "We got better news on Zeitler and Arnold,” Campbell said. “I can’t guarantee that they’re playing, but it’s much better than it appeared to be when the injuries happened. So, it’s positive news."
Arnold (foot) and Zeitler (hamstring) were both injured on Sunday night against the Vikings.
The news on Arnold has been good since his scary-looking injury on Sunday night, and he was tabbed "day to day" with a foot contusion via a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Tuesday.
Defensive tackle Pat O'Connor: "O’Connor is not as positive. That’s the best way to say that,” Campbell said.
O'Connor suffered a calf injury against the Vikings, and it looks like the Lions will have to navigate another absence along the defensive line.
Cornerback Carlton Davis and linebacker Derrick Barnes: "They’re doing great, (but) I don’t see them coming back at all. Those players won’t. I don’t see them coming back at all.”
Barnes has been sidelined since suffering a torn MCL and PCL in his right knee back in Week 3. He seems to have some optimism he could return for the Super Bowl if the Lions get there, but Campbell has effectively shut that down.
Davis suffered a broken jaw in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills. An original six-week timetable lined up to the date of the NFC Championship Game, but Campbell has all but put his possible return this season to bed.
Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson: “Look, I’m going to say it again, he has a season-ending injury,” Campbell said. “But if any can come back from this, it would be Aidan.”
Regarding Hutchinson's possible return this season from a broken fibula and tibia in his left leg, Campbell has had the "if anyone can do it, Aidan can" tone all along, but it still feels unlikely even with all the positivity Hutchinson is putting out there.
Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw: "I think there's a chance we get Rake back," Campbell said. "He's trending the right way."
Rakestraw has not played since Week 11 due to a hamstring injury.