Dan Campbell Expecting Big Return For Divisional Round Playoff Game

By virtue of being the No. 1 seed in the NFC, Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions earned a well-deserved bye week to start the playoffs.

The time off gives the banged-up Lions some time to heal. Detroit has several key players who are out for the rest of the season, but it sounds like one starter who missed the last three games is going to be able to return when the team opens up postseason play in the divisional round.

Campbell told reporters that running back David Montgomery, who suffered an MCL injury in a Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills, is on track to return in the divisional round, which would be a welcome boost for the Lions’ rushing attack.

“#Lions coach Dan Campbell said he expects RB David Montgomery to be ready for the Division Round, which was his goal when choosing rehab over surgery. Good news,” tweeted NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

One half of the Lions’ “Sonic and Knuckles” backfield duo along with Jahmyr Gibbs, Montgomery rushed for 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 185 carries in 14 games this season.

During Detroit’s win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football last weekend, sideline reporter Melissa Stark hinted at Montgomery being close to a return.

“I asked if he’ll be back next week, he [Montgomery] flashed a big smile and said, ‘I’m excited, I’ll just say that.'” Stark said.

With Montgomery out the last three weeks, Gibbs, who led the Lions with 1,412 rushing yards and a league-high 16 rushing touchdowns, carried the bulk of the load. Veteran Craig Reynolds also saw increased reps.

Detroit will rest this weekend as it awaits its divisional opponent. As the No. 1 seed, the Lions will host the lowest-remaining seed with an NFC Championship berth on the line.

Depending on how this week’s results shake out, one of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers will be on their way to Ford Field.