Tag: David Montgomery

Lions’ RB David Montgomery reflects on need to be ‘selfless’ for success in duo with Jahmyr Gibbs

Lions’ RB David Montgomery reflects on need to be ‘selfless’ for success in duo with Jahmyr Gibbs

The Detroit Lions boasted one of the best offenses in the NFL over the last couple of seasons, thanks largely in part to a stellar rushing attack.

Lions running back David Montgomery talked to NFL Network on Wednesday about that success in tandem with fellow RB Jahmyr Gibbs, saying they’re “definitely the best running back duo in the league.”

“That’s my dog,” Montgomery said of Gibbs. “You’ve gotta be in a position — a mental headspace — to be appreciative of somebody else’s success… We’re all competitors, we all want to play ball and we all want to be the guy but sometimes you’ve gotta be selfless for the greater good of the team.”

Montgomery was the starting running back for most of the 2024-25 season, but Gibbs split time with him virtually evenly throughout each game, depending on the script. Gibbs did start the Lions’ last three games of the regular season following Montgomery’s knee injury.

The tandem’s 32 scrimmage touchdowns led all NFL backfields and Gibbs led the league overall with 20 touchdowns of his own.

“When it’s all said and done, when we’re done playing together, we’ll be the best running back duo to ever play together,” Montgomery said.

Gibbs is entering the third year of his rookie contract, while Montgomery is under contract through 2027. The duo will be together again next season under new offensive coordinator John Morton.

“Coach Campbell and Brad [Holmes] do a great job of putting guys around us and in our culture so that we all can benefit,” Montgomery said. “I’m excited for it.”

Is David Montgomery’s return good for the Commanders?

Could David Montgomery’s return be good news for the Commanders?

The Detroit Lions have the NFL’s best offense. They enter Saturday’s NFC divisional round matchup against the Washington Commanders with the league’s top-scoring offense and No. 2 total offense. The Lions average over two more points per game than the next closest team.

On Saturday, more help could be on the way for Detroit. Running back David Montgomery is slated to return from a Week 15 knee injury. When Montgomery was injured, many thought his season could be over, but he chose an aggressive rehab over surgery.

That’s terrific news for the Lions. Right?

Yes and no. Why? Montgomery’s return would potentially mean fewer carries for the dynamic Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery and Gibbs shared the backfield load for the past two years with great success. However, when Montgomery went down, Gibbs rushed for 365 yards and five touchdowns and also caught 13 passes for 122 yards and another touchdown — in three games. He averaged close to six yards per rushing attempt.

That’s not to disparage Montgomery, a more physical and bruising runner. However, if you’re offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, do you want to take touches away from Gibbs right now?

The Commanders struggle against the run. Gibbs and Montgomery should succeed against Washington, but would it be in the Commanders’ best interest if Montgomery’s return means the Lions will split carries between Gibbs and Montgomery?

Montgomery is difficult to tackle due to his physical nature. Gibbs is much more elusive and more of a big-play threat. If you’re Washington, you want Gibbs on the field less. Again, that’s not to disrespect Mongtomery, who is capable of rushing for over 100 yards with multiple scores, but Gibbs is different.

Regardless of which gets the most carries for Detroit on Saturday, Washington’s defense will have its hands full. In the three games before Montgomery’s injury, Gibbs carried the ball nine, 15 and eight times, respectively. Over the last three games, Gibbs had 77 total touches.

The less the Commanders see of Jahmyr Gibbs, the better.

Lions vs Commanders: Final injury report medical analysis

Lions vs Commanders: Initial injury report medical analysis for Washington and Detroit ahead of the NFC Divisional Round game

The Lions first playoff game is upon us as the Commanders march into town. The final practice injury report is today (Thursday) due to the game being on Saturday. There were no big upgrades/downgrades during the week for the Lions.

The Commanders report is long but most players on the report are in. The two questionables coming out of the last game (Daron Payne, Bobby Wagner) are set to play but may have some limitations due to their injuries.

NFL Playoff picks: Unlock exclusive data-driven predictions

If the Lions win on Saturday, the practice window watch can start for the two remaining hopefuls on IR – Aidan Hutchinson and Carlton Davis. I go into more detail below.

(Abbreviations: UL=unlisted, NP=no practice, LP=limited practice, FP=full practice)

DETROIT LIONS

 

Out: Kevin Zeitler, RG – hamstring (NP NP NP)

A hamstring strain will cost this starting RG at least one playoff game. Hamstrings benefit from a gradual ramp-up to avoid aggravation, so the lack of any practice this week puts next week in doubt also. Expect 6th-round rookie Christian Mahogany, who has performed well in limited action, to start at RG.

Out: Pat O’Connor, DT – calf (NP NP NP)

A likely calf strain during the last game will cost O’Connor at least one game. Like with Zeitler, the full week of NP is not a positive sign for the following week. He has been playing around 50% of defensive snaps in the latter part of the season along the depleted defensive line.

Questionable: Ennis Rakestraw, CB – hamstring/illness (NP NP LP)

Rakestraw opened his practice window last week on January 9 after 7 weeks on IR. The limited practice time this week is likely related to the illness but I can’t say for sure.

Rakestraw’s role is on special teams unless there are further injuries to the CB position. With Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, and Kindle Vildor healthy, the Lions likely will decide to give Rakestraw another week.

IN: David Montgomery, RB – knee (FP FP FP)

Knuckles returns in 5 weeks from his MCL sprain and possibly more.

I don’t expect any limitations to his snap count based on how the Lions have handled players in their first game back such as Jahmyr Gibbs with his hamstring last year (87% snaps), Montgomery himself with his ribs last year (38%), and Alex Anzalone with his forearm last week (98%).

Prior to his injury, Montgomery was logging around 30-50% of snaps and I would anticipate him in the range of 30% for this game given Gibbs recent high production.

IN: Terrion Arnold, CB – foot (FP FP FP)

After a worrisome-looking foot injury last game, the outcome is excellent as he won’t even miss a game. His health is important to a secondary that is missing Carlton Davis.

In: Taylor Decker OT – personal (UL NP FP)

Congrats to Taylor Decker and family for welcoming their second child to the world.

IR LIST STATUS UPDATE

Aidan Hutchinson – left tib/fib fracture, Oct 13

With only 3 weeks left until the Super Bowl, Hutchinson’s 21-day practice window may open early next week regardless of his chances to play in the big game. The bone has likely been healed for multiple weeks now, so his return is dependent on the rehab of the soft tissues. Getting him on the practice field would just be part of his rehab.

Dan Campbell has not expressed optimism regarding his return recently but did not rule it out. I continue to expect limited action in the Super Bowl for Hutchinson.

He is in the 3rd year of his 4-year rookie contract with 5th-year option. Expect an extension this coming offseason.

Carlton Davis – jaw fracture, Dec 15

Dan Campbell stated two weeks ago not to expect Davis back. I’m still holding onto a glimmer of hope that he might return for the Super Bowl.

The practice window situation for Davis is a bit different than Hutchinson’s as the jaw fracture may not be healed yet. Even if Davis can play in the Super Bowl, he may not have his window opened next week. If his window does open, he could potentially play immediately as his legs are unaffected – same as what we saw with Alex Anzalone.

Davis is an unrestricted free agent after this year.

Not expected to return

  • Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL surgery – Unrestricted free agent after this year.
  • John Cominsky, MCL surgery – Unrestricted free agent after this year.
  • Alim McNeill, right ACL – Expect his return around October-November of 2025. Signed an extension this past offseason through the 2028 season.
  • Khalil Dorsey, right ankle/leg fracture – Unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL – Expect his return around October 2025. Next season will be the final year of his rookie contract.
  • Marcus Davenport, left elbow – Unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • Kyle Peko, left pec rupture – Unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • Mekhi Wingo, unspecified right knee – In 1st year of four-year rookie contract.
  • Emmanuel Moseley, illness – Placed on NFI after appearing in only 2 games following his pec rupture.

IR return count (8 of 10 used)

  • Lions have returned Rakestraw, Anzalone, Raymond, Brodric Martin, Moseley, Reeves-Maybin, and Ifeatu Melifonwu twice.
  • Hutchinson and Davis will take the last 2 returns if they can get healthy enough.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

In: Daron Payne DT, finger (LP LP FP)

Payne hurt his thumb during the last game and posted the XR which showed a likely dorsal dislocation of his thumb MCP (metacarpophalangeal) joint.

He’s going to play likely with a splint which will affect his ability to grab with that hand.

Payne is an important player along the defensive line logging around 70-80% of snaps this year with 4 sacks and 42 total tackles.

In: Bobby Wagner LB, ankle (NP NP LP)

On video, Wagner suffered a left high ankle sprain or medial ankle sprain after a teammate crashed into him from the side on the penultimate defensive play of the game. He is going to play but the ankle injury could limit his effectiveness.

 

Out: Jordan Magee LB, hamstring (NP NP NP)

Magee has played minimal snaps on defense this year and is mostly a special teams contributor.

Questionable: Mykal Walker LB, illness (UL UL NP)

Walker is mainly a special teams player.

Questionable: Colson Yankoff TE, hamstring (FP FP FP)

This rookie TE has not played in the last 11 games.

The following players are all in:

Zane Gonzalez K, hip

Gonzalez went to the bank for the game-winning field goal in the 1st-round of the playoffs. Detroit banks are planning to close early on Saturday.

Ben Sinnott TE, shoulder

Jamison Crowder WR, hamstring/rest

Zach Ertz TE, rib/rest

Clelin Ferrell DE, knee/rest

John Bates TE, shoulder

Dominique Hampton LB, back

Marshon Lattimore CB, hamstring

Frankie Luvu LB, shoulder

Brandon Coleman OT, shoulder

KJ Osborn WR, finger

Commanders preparing for Lions’ potent offense

The Commanders will face their most difficult challenge yet on Saturday.

Joe Whitt Jr. is quite aware the Lions’ offense is imposing.

Detroit’s offense commands Whitt’s focus for this week. They led all 32 teams in scoring this season (564 points) and averaged 33.2 points per game. Watching the Lions’ game film of their offense must leave Whitt with an ominous or overwhelming feeling.

When asked about it Wednesday at his weekly press conference, Whitt replied.

“They test your discipline,” he said. “I think [Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator] Ben [Johnson] does a really nice job of understanding coverages. He understands horizontal spacing as well as vertical spacing.”

Whitt is 100 percent accurate, as simply watching their highlights reveals how the Lions attack all areas of the field, forcing the defense to cover the entire field.

“He (Johnson) understands every player’s responsibility, and he’s going to test the discipline of those players and other coverage. And so, you have to be where you’re supposed to be and let your eyes be true. And if you don’t, he’s going to take advantage of it.”

The Lions are undoubtedly loaded. They are first in points scored and first downs made. They score on big plays and keep the chains moving. In ten games, they scored 30 or more points.

Amon-Ra St. Brown collected 115 receptions this season for 1,263 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 73 first downs. Add to this speedy WR Jameson Williams  (1,001 yards), TE Sam LaPorta (60 receptions), and WR Tim Patrick (33 receptions).

If that isn’t enough, running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery added 52 and 36 receptions out of the backfield! QB Jared Goff is now a seasoned age-30 veteran leading all of this passing production.

Perhaps even more daunting is the Lions’ offensive line. They are huge, they protect well, and they attack well in the running game. Whitt is certainly more than merely impressed.

“They have different types of runs that they can run inside and lean you. They’ll go 30-plus runs on multiple games where they’re just going to lean on you, lean on you. And then they make you soft because as soon as you start overplaying that, here comes the leak play, here comes this play, here comes the screen.”

Lions stars ‘can’t wait’ for return of David Montgomery vs. Commanders

Lions stars ‘can’t wait’ for return of RB David Montgomery vs. Commanders

The Detroit Lions will be happy to have running back David Montgomery back in any capacity on Saturday.

The Lions posted a portion of an interview with star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown on Wednesday in which he showed his excitement to have Monty back in the lineup for their divisional-round matchup against the Washington Commanders.


Montgomery has been out since Week 15 when he suffered what was initially believed to be a season-ending MCL injury. He chose to avoid surgery and undergo a significant rehab process to put himself in a position to make an impact in the postseason.

Montgomery put up 775 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns on 185 carries in his 14 games this season.

“It’s gonna be great… I missed him a lot,” backfield co-star Jahmyr Gibbs said Wednesday. Gibbs has shined in Montgomery’s absence, tallying 365 rushing yards and five touchdowns and hauling in 13 passes for 122 yards and another touchdown.

Montgomery spoke to reporters on Tuesday about Gibbs and said he’ll likely continue to shine despite the return of the “Sonic and Knuckles” duo.

“Jah’s going to roll,” Montgomery said. “I’m going to just kind of, whatever he needs from me, I’m going to make sure he has. But this kind of his show.”

The Lions’ two-headed running back duo will face a Commanders defense on Saturday night that ranked 30th in the league against the rush this season.

Commanders LB Bobby Wagner misses 2nd practice ahead of divisional round vs. Lions

Could Bobby Wagner miss Saturday’s playoff game vs. Lions?

Could the Washington Commanders be without a big piece of their defense ahead of Saturday’s NFC divisional round playoff game against the Detroit Lions?

Future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner missed his second consecutive practice on Wednesday. Washington has one more practice on Thursday before traveling to Detroit on Friday. Wagner injured his ankle in Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers in the NFC wild-card round. It will be interesting to see if the future Hall of Famer practices on Thursday, but Wagner is the type of player head coach Dan Quinn would play even without practice.

The 34-year-old Wagner is in his 13th NFL season and has missed only three games since the beginning of the 2015 season. Fellow linebacker Jordan Magee was the only other Commanders to miss Wednesday’s practice.

Here is Wednesday’s injury report for the Commanders:

Did Not Participate

  • LB Jordan Magee: hamstring
  • LB Bobby Wagner: ankle

Limited Participants:

  • DT Daron Payne: finger
  • TE Ben Sinnott: shoulder
  • WR Jamison Crowder: hamstring
  • TE Zach Ertz: rib
  • DE Clelin Ferrell: knee

Full Participants:

  • TE John Bates: shoulder
  • LB Dominique Hampton: back
  • CB Marshon Lattimore: hamstring
  • LB Frankie Luvu: shoulder
  • TE Colson Yankoff: hamstring
  • T Brandon Coleman: shoulder
  • K Zane Gonzalez: hip

Running back David Montgomery participated fully for the second consecutive day, which bodes well for his return on Saturday.

Did Not Participate:

  • DL Pat O’Connor: calf
  • CB Ennis Rakestraw: hamstring/illness
  • G Kevin Zeitler: hamstring
  • T Tyler Decker: NIR/personal

Limited Participants:

  • None

Full Participants:

  • CB Terrion Arnold: foot
  • RB David Montgomery: knee

Lions could get one of their offensive stars back vs. Commanders

The Lions have an elite offense and more good news appears to be on the way.

The Detroit Lions could get a big part of their offense back for Saturday’s NFC Divisional Round clash against the Washington Commanders.

Running back David Montogomery practiced fully in Detroit’s walkthrough and appears headed for a return to the lineup on Saturday. Montgomery tore his MCL and missed the remainder of the regular season. He was initially believed to be out for the postseason, too, but Montgomery sought outside opinions and eventually chose an aggressive rehab over surgery.

“It’s refreshing,” Montgomery said via Eric Woodyard of ESPN. “Kind of to be back in the position to where I can help the team, yeah, I missed it, so happy to be back.”

Fortunately for Detroit, it had former first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs’ usage increased over the final three weeks and he looked like one of the NFL’s top running backs. But the Lions are at their best when they have Gibbs and Montgomery.

The six-year pro rushed for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular season. Montgomery’s punishing style is the perfect complement to Gibbs’ all-around ability.

Head coach Dan Campbell is thrilled about Montgomery’s return.

“It’ll mean a lot,” Campbell said. “Five’s a big part of us. He’s a huge part of us, and to me, he’s a bell cow. He’s somebody that is a tone-setter. He’s a catalyst, so there’s a place for him.”

Detroit finished the regular season with the NFL’s fifth-ranked rushing offense, averaging 146 rushing yards per game. On the flip side, Washington’s run defense ranked 27th, allowing over 135 rushing yards per game.

Washington’s ability or inability to stop the Lions’ running game will be critical in determining Saturday’s winner.

Commanders vs. Lions: First injury report ahead of NFC divisional round

The first injury report of the week is out with good news for the Lions.

The Washington Commanders didn’t have much time to celebrate Sunday night’s NFC wild-card win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While the team enjoyed the win in the locker room, they had a plane to catch back to Ashburn.

The Commanders, who played on Sunday Night Football, will face the top-seeded Detroit Lions on Saturday night, which means an abbreviated week for Washington.

The Lions and Commanders were back on the practice field Tuesday, as the regular schedule was moved up a day. Washington will practice Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, using Friday as a travel day.

On the week’s first injury report, several players were listed as either not participating or limited. However, four of the six players who did not practice were given a customary rest day. In good news, cornerback Marshon Lattimore was a full participant after playing in Sunday’s game, which is a good indication of his status ahead of Saturday.

Here is Tuesday’s injury report for the Commanders:

Did Not Participate

  • WR Jamison Crowder: hamstring/rest
  • TE Zach Ertz: rib/rest
  • DE Clelin Ferrell: knee/rest
  • DE Dante Fowler Jr: rest
  • LB Jordan Magee: hamstring
  • LB Bobby Wagner: ankle

Limited Participants:

  • K Zane Gonzalez: hip
  • DT Daron Payne: finger
  • TE Ben Sinnott: shoulder

Full Participants:

  • TE John Bates: shoulder
  • LB Dominique Hampton: back
  • CB Marshon Lattimore: hamstring
  • LB Frankie Luvu: shoulder
  • TE Colson Yankoff: hamstring

Meanwhile, the Lions’ injury report was much shorter. The best news for Detroit is the potential return of running back David Montgomery.

Did Not Participate:

  • DL Pat O’Connor: calf
  • CB Ennis Rakestraw: hamstring/illness
  • G Kevin Zeitler: hamstring

Limited Participants:

  • None

Full Participants:

  • CB Terrion Arnold: foot
  • RB David Montgomery: knee

Lions vs Commanders: Initial injury report medical analysis

Lions vs Commanders: Initial injury report medical analysis for Washington and Detroit ahead of the NFC Divisional Round game

For the Lions, there was good news and bad news on the initial injury report. David Montgomery and Terrion Arnold are looking ready to go on Saturday, while Kevin Zeitler, Ennis Rakestraw, and Pat O’Connor will need to trend sharply upwards this week in order to have a chance.

The Commanders have a lengthy report but most players are either FP’s or NP’s due to rest. The most significant injury I saw in their first playoff game was Daron Payne’s finger and there is good news for the Commanders on this initial report.

(Abbreviations: UL=unlisted, NP=no practice, LP=limited practice, FP=full practice)

DETROIT LIONS

(walkthrough only)

David Montgomery, RB – knee (FP)

Excellent news for Montgomery with an FP on the initial report after missing 4 weeks due to at least an MCL injury. The FP means he’ll be playing on Saturday.

I don’t expect there to be any limitations to his snap count based on how the Lions have handled players in their first game back such as Jahmyr Gibbs with his hamstring last year (87% snaps), Montgomery himself with his ribs last year (38%), and Alex Anzalone with his forearm last week (98%).

Prior to his injury, Montgomery was logging around 30-50% of snaps and I would anticipate him in the range of 30% for this game given Gibbs recent high production.

Terrion Arnold, CB – foot (FP)

The FP confirms the positive early signs following the right foot injury last game which was reported as a contusion. He’ll be available Saturday which is very important to a secondary that is missing Carlton Davis.

Kevin Zeitler, RG – hamstring (NP)

Video suggested a concerning right hamstring strain and today’s NP corroborates the concern. Hamstrings benefit from a gradual ramp-up to avoid aggravation, so hopefully he can get up to an LP tomorrow and an FP the next day. If not, he may miss the game.

Expect Christian Mahogany, who has played well this year, to take his place if necessary.

Pat O’Connor, DT – calf (NP)

Dan Campbell last week expressed pessimism regarding his injury and the NP today confirms the feeling. I would not expect him to be available vs the Commanders. This would be a big loss as he’s been playing around 50% of defensive snaps in the latter part of the season.

Ennis Rakestraw, CB – hamstring/illness (NP)

Rakestraw opened his practice window last week on January 9 after 7 weeks on IR. I’m suspecting the NP today to be related to his illness and not the hamstring. If the illness resolves quickly and he can get up to an FP later this week, he might be available for the game.

With Arnold healthy, Rakestraw’s main role will be on special teams.

Notables

Levi Onwuzurike, who had his right ankle wrapped last game and was helped off once, is absent from the report.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

(walkthrough only)

Daron Payne DT, finger (LP)

Payne hurt his thumb during the last game and posted the XR post-game which showed a likely dorsal dislocation of his thumb MCP (metacarpophalangeal) joint. The LP today is a strong sign that he will play on Saturday. However, he’ll likely be wearing a splint which will affect his ability to grab with that hand.

Payne is an important player along the defensive line logging around 70-80% of snaps this year with 4 sacks and 42 total tackles.

Bobby Wagner LB, ankle (NP)

Wagner has played 100% of snaps in each of the past 11 games and I’m suspecting that will continue on Saturday despite today’s NP.

Jordan Magee LB, hamstring (NP)

Magee has played minimal snaps on defense this year and is mostly a special teams contributor.

Zane Gonzalez K, hip (LP)

Gonzalez successfully banked in the game-winning field goal in the 1st-round of the playoffs. The Ford Field posts may not be so kind.

Ben Sinnott TE, shoulder (LP)

Sinnott is a part-time player on offense who has 5 receptions on the year. He has been under 10 offensive snaps in the past four games.

Jamison Crowder WR, hamstring/rest (NP)

Zach Ertz TE, rest (NP)

Clelin Ferrell DE, knee/rest (NP)

Dante Fowler LB, rest (NP)

John Bates TE, shoulder (FP)

Dominique Hampton LB, back (FP)

Marshon Lattimore CB, hamstring (FP)

Frankie Luvu LB, shoulder (FP)

Colson Yankoff TE, hamstring (FP)

Lions post-bye Monday medical update leading up to playoff game vs Commanders

Lions post-bye Monday medical update leading up to playoff game vs Commanders, with notes on Montgomery, Zeitler, Arnold and more

After enjoying a stress-free weekend of playoff football, the intensity dramatically ramps up this week as the Washington Commanders prepare to invade Detroit on Saturday night.

Let’s take a look at the injured Lions who might be available for the team’s first playoff game, as well as what to look for on the initial practice report.

LIKELY TO PLAY

David Montgomery – right MCL, December 15

Montgomery is likely to play on Saturday night which will be 5 weeks post-injury. Today, Campbell stated: “There will be a place for him in this game… it’s going to be good to get him back.”

Expect at least an LP (limited practice) on the first practice report.

 

Levi Onwuzurike – right ankle, January 5

Onwuzurike had a heavy wrap on the right ankle during the last game and limped off the field with trainers at one point. He finished the game logging 74% of snaps which is reassuring, but it’s something to monitor on the practice report. Hopefully, he doesn’t even show up on the report.

QUESTIONABLE TO PLAY

Terrion Arnold – right foot, January 5

The injury has been reported as a foot contusion by Ian Rapaport which is close to the best case outcome versus a significant sprain or fracture. Arnold has been in good spirits since the injury, and all early signs are positive. There is a good chance he’ll be ready for Saturday.

Hope for at least an LP on the first practice report which would suggest he’s on track to play.

Ennis Rakestraw – hamstring, November 23

After going on IR, Rakestraw’s practice window opened January 9 which was 7 weeks post-injury. For hamstrings, a gradual ramp-up can help prevent an aggravation. He’ll have two weeks of practice before the game which could be enough.

He’ll have at least an LP on the first practice report, but if he can manage an FP (full practice), there’s a good chance he’s available Saturday.

Kevin Zeitler – right hamstring, January 5

Early reports from Dan Campbell last week implied that the hamstring injury was mild. Like with Rakestraw, a hamstring strain benefits from a gradual ramp-up.

An LP or FP on the initial report would be a good sign for his availability on Saturday.

 

UNLIKELY TO PLAY

Pat O’Connor – calf, January 5

Likely this is a calf strain and Dan Campbell’s comments from last week were very pessimistic. Expect an NP (no practice) for most or all of this week. If he does make it to an LP or better, that would be a good sign he might be back at some point in these playoffs.

WON’T PLAY THIS WEEK BUT MAYBE LATER

Aidan Hutchinson – left tib/fib fracture, October 13

No change in status for Hutchinson as he continues his rehab while on IR. Dan Campbell last week was not optimistic, but I think there is still a decent chance of a limited return for the Super Bowl which is 17 weeks post-injury.

Hope to see Hutchinson’s 21-day practice window opened next week.

Carlton Davis – jaw fracture, December 15

The initial estimate for Davis was that he had a chance to be back for the conference championship game which would be 6 weeks post-injury. Last week however, Dan Campbell strongly suggested Davis was out for the season.

Davis is on IR so watch to see if his 21-day practice window opens in the next couple weeks.