David Montgomery injury: Lions RB helped off field vs. Vikings

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery was injured during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings.

He was deemed questionable to return with a kee injury, but was back on the field before the end of the first half.

David Montgomery is helped off the field with a leg injury. pic.twitter.com/MAJNQqTO3R

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 20, 2024

Originally, Montgomery had to be helped off the field by athletic training staff as he favored his lower body. He was taken to the medical tent on the Detroit sideline for further evaluation.

The Detriot Lions running back was tackled on a carry during the first quarter, where a host of Vikings defenders piled on top of him. He was in obvious pain after the play, staying on the turf after the play before being tended to by medical staff, who later helped him to the sideline.

He had two carries for three yards before his injury. Jahmyr Gibbs figures to be the main rusher for the Lions for the rest of the afternoon. Gibbs scored a 45-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter while Montgomery remainded sidelined.

Montgomery is in his second season with the Lions after spending the first four years of his career with the Chicago Bears. In 2023, he rushed for 1,015 yards — the second 1,000-yard rushing season of his career — to go with a career-high 13 touchdowns while playing in just 14 games.

Injury aside, Sunday can be a monumental day in Montgomery’s career. Sitting at 4,978 career rushing yards, he has the opportunity to surpass 5,000 career rushing yards across his five and a half seasons in the NFL.

The Lions are off to a strong start to the 2024 season, winning four of their first five games to start the regular season. Taking on an undefeated division rival in the Minnesota Vikings, losing Montgomery for a bit was a tough blow for Detroit’s backfield. However Gibbs held his own in Montgomery’s place and provides a more-than-capable effort in his place.