David Montgomery is “so happy” to be back and contribute in the postseason

Lions running back David Montgomery hasn’t played since Dec. 15 when he injured his knee in a loss to the Bills. The Lions initially thought his MCL injury could be season-ending.

Montgomery, however, had a full practice Tuesday and will return Saturday against the Commanders after a three-game absence.

“It’s refreshing“, Montgomery said, via Eric Woodyard of ESPN. “To kind of get back in a position where I can help the team, yeah, I’ve missed that, I’m so happy to be back.”

Montgomery said he was confident about his knee after doctors assured him he couldn’t hurt it any further.

“I wouldn’t be there if I wasn’t ready,” Montgomery said.

He received three medical opinions before choosing rehabilitation over surgery.

“I think the speculation is that I was going to have surgery or that it was kind of the end of it all. No one really ever knew,” Montgomery said. “When it was shut down, I didn’t know I was going to have surgery. That’s what the media told me, so it was news to me, but I’m always pretty confident in who I am and how I prepare.”

Montgomery ran for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, and in three postseason games in 2023 he ran for 183 yards and two touchdowns. So the Lions are excited to have him back.