GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Detroit’s rushing duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs set an NFL record on Sunday, but seem to have avoided a close call in the process.
Montgomery left Sunday’s 24-6 win over Indianapolis after suffering an apparent shoulder injury in the third quarter.
Montgomery caught a short pass from Jared Goff and broke a couple of tackles on the right side for a 14-yard gain and a first down. But he took a hard hit from Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II in the process.
Montgomery was evaluated on the sidelines and shown heading back to the locker room without his shoulder pads. Team officials listed him as questionable to return to the game. The broadcast showed Montgomery back on the sidelines with his pads and helmet on, but whether it was injury or the team’s double-digit lead, he didn’t return to the field.
Montgomery’s injury was part of a bizarre drive for the Lions who saw three contributors go down in a matter of a few plays. Before the running back’s injury, left tackle Taylor Decker left the game after a defender fell into the back of his legs. He returned on the next drive.
The drive started with a punt return by Kalif Raymond who got up gingerly afterward. He left the game with a foot injury and did not return.
After the game, head coach Dan Campbell couldn’t say whether Montgomery would be available to play when the Lions host the Bears on Thanksgiving, but doesn’t believe he is dealing with a long-term injury.
“I don’t know. I feel OK about three of those guys. (Raymond) could be a little bit more serious. But even with that, that doesn’t mean any of those guys are going to be ready for Thursday. I just don’t know,” Campbell said.
Montgomery finished the game with 37 rushing yards and a touchdown on eight carries and 36 receiving yards on three catches. Gibbs finished with 99 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. According to team officials, the two are the first running back tandem in league history to each rush for 10 or more touchdowns in consecutive seasons.
Montgomery was limited to 10 games in 2023, but still scratched out 10 scores. Gibbs also ran for 10 touchdowns and added a receiving score as well.
Montgomery and the Lions (10-1) don’t have long to heal up before their next game. Detroit hosts NFL North rival Chicago (4-7) on Thanksgiving Day. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. The game will be televised on CBS.
