The Detroit Lions lost their home opener against the Seattle Seahawks, 37-31. Unfortunately, things continued to go downhill for the Lions as several prominent players suffered injuries and could miss significant playing time, including David Montgomery.
Montgomery has been the key player for the Lions in the running game during the first two games of the season, while the team eased Jahymr Gibbs into the NFL. However, following a thigh bruise injury, Montgomery may have to sit out for a couple of weeks according to Dave Birkett from the Detroit Free Press. The injury occurred when he was trying to gain more yards, but got twisted up in the process.
Montgomery was having a good game, running for 67 yards and a touchdown, and he was able to get the Lions into manageable down and distance situations by being savvy between the tackles. After he was forced to leave the game, it was clear that the dynamic part of the offense was sorely missed. The Lions relied on Craig Reynolds and Gibbs to pick up the slack, but they were unable to recreate the same production Montgomery was having in the contest.
Gibbs is not the bruiser, between-the-tackle runner like Montgomery is, and was used more in the receiving game, where he had a crucial drop, than in actual rushing. Reynolds also struggled, rushing for only seven yards on three carries. Although Halapoulivaati Vaitai’s injury may have played a role, the difference in the offense was very noticeable.
It will be interesting to see if the Lions bring up Zonovan Knight from the practice squad, but the focus should be on how offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will scheme the offense in the absence of Montgomery. Gibbs’ style is vastly different than Montgomery’s, and the Lions might need him to grow up quickly. The Lions will face the Atlanta Falcons next week, who brought down the Green Bay Packers this week and are currently 2-0 for the season.