One of the most confusing storylines surrounding the Detroit Lions this season has been how little David Montgomery is being used. Despite remaining efficient when given opportunities, the veteran running back has seen his role steadily shrink in both the rushing and passing games.
After 14 contests, Montgomery is averaging just over 45 rushing yards per game, even though his 4.7 yards per attempt marks the most efficient rushing season of his career. His involvement as a receiver has also dipped, as he’s producing fewer than 12 receiving yards per game — among the lowest marks he’s posted in his time in the league.
Detroit’s offense has historically been at its best when both members of its “Sonic and Knuckles” backfield — Jahmyr Gibbs and Montgomery — are actively involved. When that balance disappears, the unit loses some of its physical edge and rhythm.
That imbalance was on full display in the Lions’ 41-34 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Montgomery finished with 32 rushing yards and a touchdown on seven carries while playing just 18 offensive snaps, one of his lowest usage totals of the season. Gibbs, meanwhile, logged a season-high snap count but struggled mightily on the ground, finishing with only 38 yards on 13 carries.
Following the defeat, Montgomery added fuel to the conversation with a brief and ambiguous message on social media that read, “Stay the course 5.” Unsurprisingly, many Lions fans interpreted the post as frustration, and few would argue that he doesn’t deserve a larger role.
Detroit’s Handling of Montgomery Could Come Back to Hurt Them
What makes the situation more puzzling is that head coach Dan Campbell has publicly acknowledged the need to get Montgomery more involved. Despite those comments, little has changed on the field, leaving questions about whether the coaching staff truly intends to follow through.
From Montgomery’s perspective, that inconsistency could become difficult to ignore. The Lions committed to him with a two-year extension worth over $18 million last offseason, signaling that he would remain a key piece of the offense through the 2027 season. Players who receive that level of financial investment typically aren’t phased out of the game plan.
Even with Gibbs’ explosive skill set, the numbers suggest Montgomery deserves more touches. Over the past few weeks, he has been noticeably more effective running the ball, averaging nearly six yards per carry compared to Gibbs’ drop to just over three. Advanced metrics further support the argument, as Montgomery ranks among the league’s best in rushing success rate during that stretch, while Gibbs sits near the bottom.
Those efficiency gaps alone should prompt a reevaluation of how Detroit distributes carries. If there’s optimism to be found, it’s that the Lions still have time to adjust before the season ends.
With critical matchups ahead against the Steelers, Vikings, and Bears, leaning on both running backs could help stabilize the offense and create opportunities in the passing game. A balanced approach would not only benefit the offense but also help protect Gibbs from being overworked.
Still, it’s difficult to feel confident that a shift is coming. Montgomery hasn’t reached double-digit carries in a game since Week 10 — and that outing came during a lopsided win. If the current trend continues, frustration may continue to build, and Detroit could eventually be forced to confront a difficult decision about Montgomery’s future with the team as early as 2026.
