The Detroit Lions received awful injury news on Monday, as it was reported that veteran running back David Montgomery will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Montgomery sustained an MCL injury during the Lions’ Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The veteran running back staggered off the field in the second quarter but finally returned to play. Montgomery, on the other hand, was far less effective, gaining only four yards on five attempts and 31 yards on four receptions (four targets).
With Montgomery out for the remainder of the season, Detroit must find a speedy way to replace his production. Jahmyr Gibbs, a second-year running back, will most likely see his role expand as the Lions’ primary back.
This season, Gibbs has 1,442 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns. However, Detroit cannot rely solely on the former first-round choice to carry the backfield.
On Monday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell named two potential running backs that could be part of the team’s backfield game plan.
“We’ve still got to be able to be smart with (Gibbs), but we need him,” Campbell added. “We need him, and that is the trick. So those other individuals will need Craig’s assistance, and he will be prepared. (Sione) Vaki may also be involved.
Craig Reynolds, a former Kutztown standout, has spent the last four seasons with the Lions after beginning his career with Washington and Jacksonville. Reynolds has played in all 14 games this season but has only accumulated 51 yards on 12 carries.
Meanwhile, Vaki, a Utah rookie, was taken in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft. This season, the 23-year-old has had only seven touches for 31 yards. However, Vaki performed well in the preseason, rushing for 51 yards on 10 carries.
Vaki was a safety at Utah, but his athleticism drew interest from organizations looking to see whether he could play another position (running back). For the Lions to win the NFC North, these three running backs must perform at their peak over the next several weeks.
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