The Detroit Lions were dealt some unfortunate injury news on Monday as it was reported that veteran running back David Montgomery will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Montgomery suffered an MCL injury in the Lions’ Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The veteran running back limped off the field in the second quarter but eventually returned to the game. But Montgomery wasn’t nearly as effective as he had four yards on five carries and four receptions (four targets) for 31 yards.
With Montgomery done for the rest of the season, Detroit must find a quick solution to replace his production. Second-year running back Jahmyr Gibbs will likely see his role expanded as he will be the feature back in the Lions’ offense.
This season, Gibbs has produced 1,442 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns. However, Detroit cannot just depend on the former first-round pick to carry the backfield.
On Monday, Lions head Dan Campbell mentioned two other running backs, who could factor into the team’s game plan in the backfield.
"We’ve still got to be able to be smart with (Gibbs), but we need him," Campbell said (h/t Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press). "We need him and that’s the trick. So those other guys, Craig’s going to need to help us, which, he’ll be ready. And (Sione) Vaki, potentially, as well.
Former Kutztown standout Craig Reynolds has been with the Lions for the last four seasons after starting his career with Washington and Jacksonville. Reynolds has appeared in all 14 games this season but only has 51 yards on 12 carries.
Meanwhile, Vaki is a rookie out of Utah selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old has played sparingly this season (seven touches for 31 yards). But Vaki played well in the preseason, rushing for 51 yards on 10 carries.
Vaki was a safety at Utah but his athleticism intrigued teams to see if he could potentially play another position (running back). For the Lions to capture the NFC North crown, these three RBs must be at their best over the next few weeks.
