The Detroit Lions received tough news on Monday as veteran running back David Montgomery was ruled out for the season due to a knee injury.
Montgomery sustained an MCL injury during the Lions’ Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Though he briefly returned after limping off the field in the second quarter, he struggled, finishing with just four yards on five carries and 31 receiving yards on four catches.
With Montgomery sidelined, Detroit must adjust quickly.
Second-year running back Jahmyr Gibbs is expected to take on a larger role as the team’s primary offensive weapon in the backfield.
Gibbs has been productive this season, totaling 1,442 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns.
However, relying solely on Gibbs could be risky, forcing the Lions to explore additional options.
Head coach Dan Campbell highlighted two other running backs who could contribute down the stretch.
“We’ve still got to be able to be smart with [Gibbs], but we need him,” Campbell said (h/t Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press).
“We need him, and that’s the trick. So those other guys, Craig’s going to need to help us… And [Sione] Vaki, potentially, as well.”
Craig Reynolds, a former Kutztown standout, has been with the Lions for four seasons after stints with Washington and Jacksonville.
Though he’s played in all 14 games this year, Reynolds has managed just 51 rushing yards on 12 carries.
Sione Vaki, a rookie from Utah and a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has seen limited action, recording seven touches for 31 yards.
However, he impressed in the preseason with 51 rushing yards on 10 carries. Originally a safety at Utah, Vaki’s athletic ability prompted the Lions to try him at running back.
For Detroit to secure the NFC North title, Gibbs, Reynolds, and Vaki must rise to the occasion in the coming weeks.
The Lions will depend on this trio to keep their rushing attack strong despite Montgomery’s absence.