Despite facing numerous setbacks, the Lions catch a break with encouraging news on injured players.
The Detroit Lions’ season has been marred by injuries, making their playoff ambitions more challenging. Heading into the December 15 game against the Buffalo Bills, the Lions were missing four starting linebackers. Yet, despite the adversity, they nearly pulled off a dramatic win, falling just short in a 48-42 thriller. This close game showcased the resilience and depth of the Lions’ squad, a promising sign for their future.
Injury Struggles Continue, But There’s a Silver Lining
As December rolls on, injuries continue to plague the team. One of the most significant blows came when running back David Montgomery suffered a knee injury during the game. On Monday, head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that Montgomery would undergo season-ending surgery for a torn MCL. The revelation was a shock, especially considering Montgomery had continued playing through the pain, leading fans to believe the injury might not be as serious.
A Surprising Twist: Montgomery’s Hopeful Return
Despite the grim news from Campbell, Montgomery shared a different perspective when speaking to reporters on December 17. At a charity event in Detroit, Montgomery revealed that he still holds out hope for a return this season. “I hope so,” he said, expressing his desire to help his team in their push for the playoffs. While the Lions had yet to place him on injury reserve, Montgomery acknowledged that “things may change,” leaving room for a possible early return. His optimism was refreshing, and his positive attitude shone through as he told reporters, “I’m good. I’m alive. I’m well. I can breathe. My son’s healthy. My family’s healthy. I’m good.”
More Injury Updates: New Additions to the IR List
While Montgomery’s situation remains uncertain, the Lions made it official on December 17 that several other players would be placed on the injured reserve list. Defensive lineman Alim McNeill, cornerback Carlton Davis, and safety Khalil Dorsey were all added to the list, further depleting an already thin roster. Despite these setbacks, Montgomery’s absence from the IR list raised eyebrows. NFL analyst Brad Berreman pointed out that the decision to hold off on placing Montgomery on the list could be strategic, as it opens the door for his potential return later in the season.
“There’s not a lot of good injury news for the Lions right now,” Berreman noted. However, the possibility of Montgomery rejoining the team sooner than expected was seen as a rare piece of good news in an otherwise difficult injury report.
Looking Ahead: Lions vs. Bears
The Lions will face off against the Chicago Bears on December 22, with their injury-riddled defense facing a tough test. While the Lions are favored to win, analysts like Matt Johnson at Sportsnaut caution that the injuries could keep the game closer than expected. “An injury-depleted Lions defense will probably keep this game closer than it should be,” Johnson said. However, he remains confident in the team’s offense, adding that “Detroit’s offense won’t allow for a second consecutive loss.” The game could provide crucial insights into the Lions’ ability to adapt and thrive despite their ongoing injury woes.
In a season filled with challenges, the Lions have shown remarkable resilience. With Montgomery’s hopeful return and a roster that continues to battle through adversity, there’s still plenty of reason for fans to stay optimistic as the season pushes forward.
