Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery started the 2023 season off with a bang by scoring a rushing touchdown in the monumental upset against the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. Now, after a thigh injury, Montgomery is working back to possibly playing this Thursday night.
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Is David Montgomery Going To Play TNF Week 4?
During the Week 2 matchup between the Lions and Seattle Seahawks, Montgomery suffered an injury later described as a thigh bruise.
The issue with this specific injury was that Montgomery told reporters he would be out for a few weeks, but head coach Dan Campbell stated that his injury would be a “day-to-day” situation.
There was confusion, as both sides seemed completely apart on recovery timelines. But, as with most injuries, the recovery time frame became much clearer with time.
Montgomery was able to practice in a limited fashion during the short week leading up to Thursday Night Football. Head coach Dan Campbell even stated to the media this week that he is “optimistic about his availability” for Thursday night.
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The Lions’ offense is efficient with the opportunity to flourish, but there is a concern that even if Montgomery does play, they may want to limit his touches so his thigh injury does not worsen.
Fantasy Options With Montgomery Out
Last week, the Lions offense operated without Montgomery, so more opportunities were in store for rookie Jahmyr Gibbs. The team also elevated RB Craig Reynolds, who contributed only four carries to Gibbs’ 17.
The team did recently add RB Zonovan Knight, who flashed in limited playing time with the New York Jets last season. Still, since he was only recently added to the roster, his impact on Thursday night should be limited, regardless of Montgomery’s status.
If the starting back is out, Gibbs becomes locked in as a starting fantasy running back on any roster. Green Bay is near the bottom of the league in rushing yards allowed, which bodes well for the Detroit rushing attack. After last week, it’s clear that if Montgomery is out, the bulk of the carries will fall to Gibbs.
Green Bay RB Aaron Jones could also make for an interesting pivot. He is recovering from a hamstring injury but is trending towards playing this Thursday night. The Packers have designed specific pass plays that make it easy on starting quarterback Jordan Love, and Jones can be a check-down machine when Love is under pressure.
If Montgomery does not get to play, other options are available on the waiver wire, including Tennessee Titans RB Tyjae Spears, New York Giants RB Gary Brightwell, Houston Texans RB Devin Singletary, and Dallas Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle. With so many teams shifting to a running back-by-committee approach, your league should have a running back available on the wire.
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