Lions’ David Montgomery injury status update paves way for Jahmyr Gibbs vs Raiders
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, running back David Montgomery of the Detroit Lions will not play on Monday Night Football against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8. Montgomery had a rib injury during his team’s Week 6 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Montgomery out of the picture, youngster Jahmyr Gibbs will undoubtedly start another game as Detroit’s top backfield player.
What does Montgomery’s absence mean for Lions?
Detroit has played two games without Montgomery and gone 1-1 in those contests. The veteran halfback last missed a game in Week 3 with a thigh injury, and it was Gibbs, who Detroit selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and a combination of Craig Reynolds and Zonovan Knight in the backfield for the Lions.
Knight, who was waived by the New York Jets and then picked up by Detroit, will miss the game, as he was placed on Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury.
Gibbs, another week removed from the hamstring injury that sidelined him in Weeks 5 and 6, figures to lead the way once again with Reynolds mixed in. It’s not yet clear if the Lions will elevate a back from the practice squad before Monday night’s game, though it certainly wouldn’t be surprising.
How long will Montgomery’s injury keep him out?
Lions head coach Dan Campbell initially told reporters that Montgomery would be out for “a little bit.” Campbell said that it’s a rib cartilage injury, adding that it’s a tough issue for a running back to deal with.
Campbell did not elaborate on if Montgomery would need to go on IR, a move that would sideline him for at least four games.
While the veteran halfback has yet to practice since suffering the injury, Detroit has a bye in Week 9, which could allow Montgomery to get fully healthy for the second half of the season.
Jahmyr Gibbs’ fantasy football outlook
The Raiders defense has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, including the sixth-most rushing yards and the fifth-most rushing touchdowns.
Detroit, heavy favorites at home, figures to play with a lead, which could lead to Gibbs’ best performance of the year as a runner.
Add in a couple of receptions and the Lions halfback is well on his way to finishing in the 12 at his position this week.
