The Detroit Lions' playoff hopes face a significant hurdle on Christmas Day as they prepare for a critical Week 17 showdown against the Minnesota Vikings. All eyes are on the status of key running back David Montgomery, whose availability has become a major talking point in the lead-up to this must-win game.
What is David Montgomery's Injury Status?
This week, the Lions added David Montgomery to their injury report, but not for a typical physical ailment. The primary issue is an illness that surfaced after he had participated in a full practice session earlier in the week. The situation led to Montgomery missing a subsequent practice before returning in a limited capacity on Wednesday. This progression resulted in the team officially listing him as questionable for the Christmas Day matchup.
Importantly, Montgomery has not been placed on injured reserve and has remained with the team throughout the week. The Lions have not indicated the illness is severe, which offers a glimmer of hope for fans. NFL teams are generally cautious with illnesses, but a player of Montgomery's calibre often finds a way to suit up for a game of this magnitude, especially when showing signs of improvement late in the week.
Fantasy Football Impact and Expected Role
For fantasy managers, the current indicators suggest Montgomery is more likely to play than to sit out. His return to limited practice is a positive signal. However, expectations should be carefully managed even if he is active.
Montgomery's workload has seen a noticeable reduction in recent weeks. He has not consistently received double-digit carries since the middle of the season. This trend is expected to continue, with rookie Jahmyr Gibbs commanding a significant share of the backfield snaps. Fantasy managers should view Montgomery as a flex option with tempered upside, rather than a sure-fire RB1 for this week.
Final Decision and Playoff Implications
The final confirmation on David Montgomery's status will arrive approximately 90 minutes before kickoff, when the Lions and Vikings release their inactive lists. The Lions' playoff aspirations, while mathematically alive, hinge on winning their remaining games. Having Montgomery available, even in a reduced role, provides veteran presence and depth for an offense that needs all its weapons.
While his on-field impact may be limited by the recent committee approach, his mere presence could be a psychological boost for the team. The Lions will hope their key running back can shake off the illness and contribute to keeping their season alive against a divisional rival in the Minnesota Vikings.
