Lions Not Dismissing David Montgomery Return; John Cominsky Activation Unlikely The Detroit Lions are not completely dismissing the possibility of David Montgomery’s return, adding another potential player to their list of late-season comebacks. Initially, head coach Dan Campbell had confirmed that Montgomery would miss the remainder of the season due to an MCL injury, but on Wednesday, he reversed that stance. It was revealed that Montgomery sought a third opinion regarding his knee injury. Campbell explained, “David is getting another opinion. He’s already had a couple, and we’re just waiting to hear what the third one says. That’s why we haven’t placed him on injured reserve.” He further added that Montgomery’s injury is complex, and the team needs to determine its stability before moving forward. “We need to know if it’s stable, fixed, or if it will cause permanent damage,” Campbell noted, highlighting the importance of the player’s confidence in his recovery. Montgomery, after a solid stint with the Bears, has become essential to the Lions’ success over the past two seasons, pairing with Jahmyr Gibbs in a powerful backfield. As Detroit’s starting back, Montgomery has scored 25 rushing touchdowns and was on track for another 1,000-yard season. Earlier this season, the team extended Montgomery with a two-year, $18.25 million contract. While Gibbs is expected to take on a larger role down the stretch, the Lions have yet to place Montgomery on injured reserve. The running back expressed hope of returning this season. The Lions are keeping Montgomery on the 53-man roster for now. Detroit’s IR-return scenario is becoming increasingly complicated, with several players in the mix. Aidan Hutchinson could return as soon as the NFC Championship game if the Lions advance, and Carlton Davis, recovering from a broken jaw, could be back during the postseason. Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, previously designated for return, is also moving closer to activation after being placed on IR for a second time this season. Linebackers Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes are not ruled out for the year, and cornerback Ennis Raestraw is eligible to return. However, defensive lineman John Cominsky, who has missed the entire season with a torn MCL, is now considered unlikely to return. His chances of reactivation appear slim after missing all of 2024 due to the injury. Cominsky, in his third year with Detroit, had started 19 games before his injury. Meanwhile, Alim McNeill, who tore his ACL, is definitely out. Despite these setbacks, the Lions remain hopeful about the players still in line for IR returns. Should Montgomery be sidelined longer, Craig Reynolds, a dependable back who has been with the Lions since 2019, is expected to see an increased role until Montgomery is ready to return — assuming he doesn’t require season-ending surgery.

Lions Not Excluding David Montgomery’s Return; John Cominsky Activation Unlikely

The Detroit Lions are holding off on ruling out running back David Montgomery’s potential return, adding yet another player to their growing list of late-season comeback possibilities. Initially, head coach Dan Campbell had stated that Montgomery would miss the rest of the season due to an MCL injury, but he backpedaled on Wednesday. It was revealed that Montgomery had sought a third opinion on his knee injury.

Campbell explained, “David’s getting another opinion. He’s had a couple already, and we’re just waiting to see what this third one says. That’s why we haven’t placed him on injured reserve.” He added that Montgomery’s injury is unique, and the team needs clarity on its stability before making a decision. “We need to know if it’s stable and fixed, or if it will scar,” Campbell said, emphasizing the importance of the player’s input in the decision-making process.

Montgomery, after a solid stint with the Bears, has been crucial to the Lions’ success over the past two seasons, forming a dynamic backfield duo with Jahmyr Gibbs. As the primary starting back, Montgomery has been pivotal to Detroit’s offense, scoring 25 rushing touchdowns and nearing another 1,000-yard season. He was extended with a two-year, $18.25 million contract earlier this year.

While Gibbs is expected to take on a larger role for the NFC North-leading Lions, Montgomery has not been placed on injured reserve yet. Montgomery himself expressed hope about returning this season. Meanwhile, the Lions are keeping him on the 53-man roster.

The team’s outlook for IR-return candidates has become more complex, with several players potentially returning. Aidan Hutchinson could make it back as soon as the NFC Championship game if Detroit advances, and Carlton Davis, recovering from a broken jaw, might return in the postseason. Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, previously designated for return, is closer to reactivation after a second IR designation this season. Linebackers Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes are also not ruled out for the year, while cornerback Ennis Raestraw is eligible for return.

However, defensive lineman John Cominsky, who has been out all season with a torn MCL, is now considered unlikely to return. He has been absent since July, and with the Lions having waited to place him on IR, it appears his reactivation chances are diminishing. Cominsky, in his third year with the team, had started 19 games before his injury. Alim McNeill, who suffered an ACL tear, is definitively out of the mix.

Despite these setbacks, the Lions remain optimistic about their chances with the players still in the IR-return picture. If Montgomery is sidelined longer, Craig Reynolds, a versatile back who has been with the team since 2019, will likely take on a bigger role in the backfield until Montgomery is able to return, assuming his injury does not require season-ending surgery.