Entering Week 6, despite missing a game, David Montgomery was RB7 in fantasy football (0.5-point PPR). A spike game in Week 4 (three touchdowns) drove that, but early this season Montgomery has more than returned value on what was a sixth or seventh-round ADP.
Montgomery is left last Sunday's game against Tampa Bay with a rib injury, which head coach Dan Campbell revealed as a cartilage issue on Monday. How much time Montgomery will miss is up in the air, but it's safe to assume he'll miss at least the next two games (Week 7-Baltimore Ravens, Week 8-Las Vegas Raiders) before the Lions have their bye in Week 9.
Montgomery's fantasy managers who aren't otherwise loaded at running back (presumably many) are not left to look to the trade or waiver wire markets for a fill-in. Safe to say prying a running back, with depth at the position an issue for many, from another owner in your league via a trade will be tough.
So to the waiver wire it is, for those of us in the predicament of being without Montgomery for a bit. it's noteworthy that Campbell couldn't say if he'll be put on IR or not, and that of course would mean he'd miss at least four games. There are league-specific dynamics regarding having an IR spot or not, etc., but you're not dropping Montgomery since his injury is not season-ending even in a worst-case scenario.
So let's get to it. Here are five options to replace David Montgomery off the fantasy football waiver wire.