One of the strangest storylines surrounding the Detroit Lions this year has been how little David Montgomery has been featured in an offense that otherwise hums when operating at full strength. Despite remaining efficient, the veteran running back’s overall production has taken a noticeable dip.
After 14 games, Montgomery is producing just 45.4 rushing yards per contest, even though he’s averaging a career-best 4.7 yards per attempt. His involvement as a receiver has also dwindled, as he’s posting only 11.7 receiving yards per game — among the lowest marks of his career.
Lions fans understand that Detroit is at its best when the “Sonic and Knuckles” pairing of Jahmyr Gibbs and Montgomery is fully engaged. When both backs are active contributors, the offense becomes far more balanced and dangerous.
That balance was missing in Sunday’s 41–34 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Montgomery carried the ball only seven times, finishing with 32 yards and a touchdown while logging just 18 offensive snaps — his second-lowest snap total of the season. Gibbs, meanwhile, played a season-high 52 snaps but struggled on the ground, managing only 38 rushing yards on 13 attempts.
Following the defeat, Montgomery posted a vague but telling message on Instagram — “Stay the course 5” — a line many fans interpreted as frustration with his diminishing role. Most supporters sympathize with him, believing he deserves more time on the field.
Detroit’s Handling of Montgomery Could Come Back to Haunt Them
What makes the situation more confusing is that head coach Dan Campbell has repeatedly acknowledged the need to get Montgomery more involved. Yet week after week, that message hasn’t translated into action.
From Montgomery’s perspective, it’s fair to wonder how long patience should last if his role continues to shrink. Detroit rewarded him last offseason with a two-year, $18.25 million extension that keeps him under contract through 2027 — a deal that typically signals trust and planned usage.
Paying a player that kind of money while limiting his opportunities sends mixed signals, especially when recent performance suggests Montgomery may actually be outperforming his backfield partner. As noted by Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News, Montgomery has been more effective on the ground than Gibbs over the Lions’ last three games, despite receiving far fewer carries.
During that span, Montgomery is averaging an impressive 5.9 yards per rush, while Gibbs sits at just 3.3. Advanced metrics back this up as well. According to Al Karsten of Pride of Detroit, Montgomery ranks third in rushing success rate from Weeks 13–15 at 66.7%, while Gibbs ranks near the bottom of the league at 26.7%.
Those numbers alone should be enough to prompt Detroit’s coaching staff to reconsider how touches are being distributed. Fortunately for the Lions, there’s still time to correct course as they push for a playoff berth.
Upcoming matchups against the Steelers, Vikings, and Bears present an ideal opportunity to lean on both running backs, establish the run, and create easier opportunities in the passing game.
Still, optimism is difficult. Montgomery hasn’t reached double-digit carries since Week 10, when he had 15 attempts in a blowout win over Washington. That context makes the lack of usage even more puzzling.
If Detroit fails to adjust soon, Montgomery may no longer be content with “staying the course.” Continued marginalization could eventually force the Lions to confront an uncomfortable reality — one where their veteran back looks for a new home as early as 2026.
