The Detroit Lions are preparing for their playoff run with the potential return of key contributors on both sides of the ball.
Head coach Dan Campbell announced that star running back David Montgomery is expected to be available when the Lions host their NFC Divisional Round matchup.
Meanwhile, the team is keeping hopes alive for a possible late-postseason comeback by defensive standout Aidan Hutchinson.
Montgomery, who has been sidelined since Week 15 due to a reported MCL tear in a loss to the Buffalo Bills, is set to bolster an already potent offense.
Initially, there were concerns that Montgomery might require surgery, potentially ending his season. However, after consulting multiple specialists, the sixth-year running back decided against an operation and focused on rehabilitation.
Although there was speculation that Montgomery could suit up for the Lionsβ Week 18 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, he was ultimately a gameday scratch.
Now, with extra time to recover, Montgomery is set to return to a unit that has thrived in his absence.
Montgomery has been a critical part of the NFL’s most productive running back duo alongside rookie Jahmyr Gibbs.
This season, he amassed 775 rushing yards on 4.2 yards per carry, along with 341 receiving yards on 36 receptions. His 12 rushing touchdowns ranked eighth among all running backs in the league.
The Lions didn’t miss a beat during his absence, going 3-0 and scoring 31 or more points in each game.
Gibbs stepped up in a big way, including a standout performance in the Week 18 win, rushing for over 100 yards in three straight games and scoring four touchdowns against Minnesota.
On the defensive side, the outlook for Aidan Hutchinson remains uncertain.
The star edge rusher has been out since Week 6 after suffering a broken fibula and tibia. Despite the severity of the injury, thereβs been consistent speculation that Hutchinson could return if the Lions make a deep playoff run.
All along, Detroit fans held out hope that Hutchinson would return on Super Bowl Sunday, assuming the Lions get that far.
However, Campbell is trying to temper expectations as he reminded everyone just how severe Hutchinson’s injury is. At the same time, he made it clear that it’s always foolish to bet against Big Hutch.
“Look, I’m going to say it again: he has a season-ending injury. But if anyone can come back from this, it would be Aidan,” Campbell said.
Hutchinson had been a dominant force early in the season, recording 7.5 sacks in just five games. Even after missing more than half the season, he still leads the team in sacks by a margin of 3.5.
The Lionsβ defense has struggled without him, giving up 31 or more points in three of their last four regular-season games before their Week 18 victory. Detroitβs 37 sacks on the season are tied for 23rd in the league.
Speaking of the impressive victory over the Vikings, two things were proven that night: #1. Much like Hutchinson, Alex Anzalone means everything to Detroit’s defense. #2. Aaron Glenn is a defensive mastermind who will most likely get a well-earned head coaching job as soon as the season’s over.
The Lions also received positive updates on rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold and veteran right guard Kevin Zeitler, both of whom sustained injuries during the win over Minnesota.
Arnold is dealing with a foot contusion, while Zeitler suffered a hamstring injury.
“We got better news on Zeitler and Arnold,” Campbell said. “I can’t guarantee that they’re playing, but it’s much better than it appeared to be when the injuries happened. So, it’s positive news.”
With home-field advantage secured for the first time in franchise history, the Lions are set to host the NFC Divisional Round on either Saturday, Jan. 18, or Sunday, Jan. 19.
They will face one of four potential opponents: the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders, or Green Bay Packers.
While the injury updates from Campbell were largely positive, some Lions fans were hoping for a more definitive outlook for Hutchinson.
Having said that, I think we all know that if the Lions do indeed make the Super Bowl, we’ll be seeing #97 out on the field…
