NFL News: Lions' David Montgomery Reportedly Avoids Season-Ending Surgery on Injury

David Montgomery's season may not be over after all.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, "sources are now optimistic that the star avoided the season-ending surgery that was initially feared" after the Detroit Lions running back consulted with a number of medical experts regarding his MCL injury.

While Montgomery has been placed on injured reserve, the hope is that he'll be able to return for the postseason.

Montgomery told reporters on Wednesday that he hopes he can return this season.

"We don't know," he added of those chances. "We're kind of working through the logistics right now. Things may change."

Head coach Dan Campbell previously told reporters he believed the veteran running back would be sidelined for the rest of the 2024 season and require surgery.

Losing Montgomery for the year would have been a huge blow for a Lions team that has been ravaged by injuries this season. Detroit has largely soldiered on, going 12-2 on the season, though the injuries to the defensive side of the ball certainly appeared to play a part in Sunday's 48-42 loss against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.

Montgomery, 27, has been fantastic for the Lions yet again this season, rushing for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns while serving as the bruising half of his running back platoon with the dynamic Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery operates as an excellent between-the-tackles and goal-line option.

As for the Lions, the team currently remains atop the NFC but has the same record as both the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings, with matchups against the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers and Vikings to close out the season. Even one loss could not only cost them homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, but also the NFC North title.

Regardless, Detroit is heading to the playoffs, and possibily having Montgomery available for the postseason is a bit of good news for a team that continues to be crushed by injuries.