David Montgomery's Road to Recovery: Lions' Star Running Back Ready for Playoffs!

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is back in action and ready to make an impact as the team gears up to face the Washington Commanders this Saturday night at Ford Field. After missing the last three games of the regular season due to a right MCL injury, Montgomery participated fully in the team's walk-through practice on Tuesday at the Meijer Performance Center, and his excitement is palpable.

"It's refreshing," Montgomery expressed. "To be back in a position where I can help the team feels great. I missed it, so I'm really happy to be back." The Lions are currently the top seed in the NFC, and Montgomery's return is seen as a significant boost to their postseason efforts.

Montgomery has an impressive playoff pedigree, having been a crucial part of the Lions' run to the NFC Championship Game last year, where he rushed for 183 yards, setting the franchise record for the most rushing yards in a single postseason. His experience and grit on the field will be invaluable as the Lions look to make their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

The 2023 season has seen Montgomery accumulate 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, making him the second-leading rusher for the Lions this season behind Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs, who has lit up the field with 1,412 rushing yards and a remarkable league-high of 20 total touchdowns. This duo's chemistry has created a formidable running game for Detroit.

Montgomery's road to recovery was intensive. After suffering the injury during a Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills, he opted for rehabilitation over surgery after consulting with three medical experts. "I think the speculation about me needing surgery was overstated—nobody really knew what was going on," he clarified. His strenuous rehab focused on physically strengthening his knee, ensuring he was fully prepared to rejoin his teammates on the field.

Head coach Dan Campbell is eager to have Montgomery back, seeing him as an essential part of the team. "Five’s a big part of us. He’s a huge part of us, and to me, he’s a bell cow. He sets the tone. There’s a place for him," Campbell stated, emphasizing the vital role Montgomery plays not just in running the ball but also in inspiring the team's offensive unit.

Montgomery's ability to gain tough yardage, averaging 2.0 yards after first contact, ranks him fifth in the league among running backs with over 300 rushes, showcasing his effectiveness as a power runner. With the playoffs upon them, Montgomery is channeling his energy into visualizing the Lions' success. "I've been dreaming of us going to the Super Bowl. It feels more vivid as we get closer. I know we're going to make it there."

As excitement builds for the Lions' playoff clash, all eyes will be on Montgomery, who appears ready to lead his team on what they hope will be a historic journey. Will he be the catalyst that propels Detroit to its first-ever Super Bowl? Only time will tell!