The Detroit Lions injury list got a little longer on Sunday, when running back David Montgomery remained on the ground after a hard hit and left the game. It was revealed to be a rib injury, as he walked to the locker room on his own, and initial x-rays were negative.
It was fair to assume Montgomery would miss some time, how much dependent on the severity of the injury. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press confirmed as much on Monday morning.
Another hit for the Lions, though nothing has slowed them yet: Sounds like Lions RB David Montgomery will miss some time with the rib injury he suffered yesterday.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) October 16, 2023
Head coach Dan Campbell was sure to offer an update on Montgomery when he spoke to the media Monday, and at the top of his press conference he did so. It's a rib cartilage issue, and Montgomery will miss some time. How much? To be determined.
Dan Campbell says RB David Montgomery is probably gonna be down for a little bit with a rib injury. Doesn't know how long. Says it's not an easy thing to deal with as a RB.
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) October 16, 2023
HC Dan Campbell says he anticipates RB David Montgomery to be down for a little bit with a rib injury. Says he really can’t tell whether it’ll be an IR situation, but it doesn’t sound good for Monty. #Lions
— Dannie (@dannierogers___) October 16, 2023
That the word "IR" even came out of Campbell's mouth is cause for some alarm. Being put on IR would of course put Montgomery out for at least the next four games.
The Lions have their bye in Week 9, so that might be a factor in how things are done with Montgomery's injury situation. Maybe he only ends up missing two games, Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens and Week 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders, and returns Week 10 Nov. 12 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
How will the Lions replace David Montgomery?
After Montgomery left Sunday's game, Craig Reynolds stepped in as the Lions' lead back with Devine Ozigbo sprinkled in for a few snaps. Jahmyr Gibbs of course missed his second straight game with a hamstring injury, but on Monday Campbell had an optimistic update on the rookie back.
Dan Campbell says RB Jahmyr Gibbs is "trending the right way." Feels a lot better about him this week.
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) October 16, 2023
If Gibbs is able to play Sunday against the Ravens, he would step into the lead back role with Reynolds as his primary backup. When Montgomery missed Week 3 with a thigh bruise, Gibbs of course had his biggest workload of the season (17 carries for 80 yards; 60 percent snap share).
In a broader sense, with Montgomery surely out at least the next two games, the Lions should probably have an eye on available running backs this week--if only for depth.