Detroit Lions star declines season-ending surgery and is fighting to return in time for Super Bowl run
There is hope in Detroit that injured Lions running back David Montgomery, who suffered a torn MCL in his right knee on Sunday, could return in the postseason.
Montgomery was ruled out for the season on Monday and required surgery, but for the time being he will not be placed on injured reserve after a third medical opinion.
According to an ESPN report, the sixth-year running back “may have avoided season-ending surgery” after going into Sunday’s 48-42 loss to the visiting Buffalo Bills.
On Wednesday, Lions coach Dan Campbell wasn’t ready to rule out Montgomery, who leads the team with 12 rushing touchdowns this season.
“It’s one of these injuries that’s unique because you have to know, is it stable? OK, is it fixed, or is it going to scar?,” Campbell told reporters.
‘And then definitely be stable for now and for later, and then you have to trust him, like, “Hey man, I’m doing well. I can do this.”
David Montgomery was set to undergo season-ending surgery but has now opted against it
Instead, the running back hopes to play again this season as the Lions go for the Super Bowl
‘So it’s a combination, especially the doctors and him too, that he thinks he can continue with and protect himself and play at a high level. So we are in a holding pattern, which is positive at the moment.’
Montgomery, 27, has rushed for 775 yards in 14 games this season and forms a dynamic duo with Jahmyr Gibbs (1,047 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns).
Gibbs takes over as Detroit’s workhorse for now and won’t change his vision or game plan as he prepares for Sunday’s game against the rival Bears in Chicago.
“Basically the same, it’s nothing different,” the 22-year-old sophomore running back said. “I’ve been doing this all my life, so I don’t look at it any differently.”
The Lions have had a stellar season so far, holding a 12-2 lead in the NFC North.