Detroit Lions star David Montgomery returned to full practice on Tuesday in a boost for the team as they prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the NFL play-offs.
Montgomery, who missed the final three games of the regular season with an MCL injury, played a crucial role in the Lions’ playoff run last season, rushing for 183 yards in three games.
Speaking ahead of his return, the running back said: “It’s refreshing. Kind of to be back in the position to where I can help the team, yeah, I missed it, so happy to be back.”
“I think the speculation that I was getting surgery or that was kind of the end-all, be-all. Nobody really ever knew.
“So when it got put out, I didn’t know that I was getting surgery. So the media told me, so it was news to me, but I’m always pretty confident in who I am and how I prepare.”
Montgomery’s return provides a significant boost to the Lions. He joins Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs, who led the league with 20 total touchdowns this season, to form a potent running back duo.
Lions coach Dan Campbell could not hide his excitement at having his main man back.
“He’s a tone-setter.” pic.twitter.com/GtL1g7nKT7
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 13, 2025
He added: “It’ll mean a lot. He’s a huge part of us, and to me, he’s a bell cow. He’s somebody that is a tone-setter. He’s a catalyst, so there’s a place for him. There’s a place for him here, so there’ll be a place for him in this game. So it’s going to be good to get him back.”
Montgomery has proven to be a valuable asset to the Lions, consistently gaining tough yards. Since joining the team in 2023, he ranks fifth in the league in yards after contact per attempt with a minimum of 300 rushes.
As the Lions prepare for a run to the Super Bowl, Montgomery has set his sights on reaching the big match.
“I would have dreams about us going to the Super Bowl,” Montgomery said. “It’s crazy. And the closer we get, the more vivid they become. I have them like often. But I don’t know how it’s going to look with us getting there, but I know we’re going to be there.”
