Tag: David Montgomery

Lions final injury report: Carlton Davis, Taylor Decker ruled out vs. Bears

Lions final injury report: Carlton Davis, Taylor Decker ruled out vs. Bears, and two other prominent starters are questionable with injuries

Some unfortunate news from the Detroit Lions final injury report of Week 13. The Lions will face the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving without the services of starting left tackle Taylor Decker and cornerback Carlton Davis.

Both Decker and David suffered leg injuries in the Week 12 win over the Colts. The short week hindered their availability for the annual Thanksgiving game. Neither is expected to be a long-term injury.

In addition to Decker and Davis, running back David Montgomery and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown are officially questionable for Thursday’s game. Montgomery injured his shoulder, while St. Brown banged up his knee on a punt return in Indianapolis on Sunday.

On a more positive front, rookie CB Terrion Arnold has no injury designation and will play. Arnold missed the trip to Indy with a groin issue.

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Film Room: What’s been going on with Lions TE Sam LaPorta this season

LaPorta isn’t coming close to his record-setting rookie performance, and there are a few indicators as to why

One year ago, Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta was having a historic rookie season. Through 10 games of that rookie season, he recorded 50 receptions for 492 yards and four touchdowns. Ultimately, he ended up with 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023.

This season, things have changed and the sophomore slump seems apparent. Through 10 games this season, LaPorta only has 28 receptions for 385 yards and three touchdowns. Certainly, it’s not the worst stat line but the expectations for LaPorta were going to be high due to what he did last season as a rookie.

Put the production aside and it’s evident that LaPorta looks “off” this season. While he’s struggled with staying healthy, he’s played through injuries but just doesn’t look as sharp as he did a season ago. Let’s dive into some film and see if we can spot the differences.

https://x.com/RussNFLDraft/status/1861395481974448197

Starting with LaPorta blocking, there will always be ups and downs for tight ends in this area. Much of that is due to alignment, blocking in space or who they have to block. Sometimes there are just mismatches for the position. However, the play above is a positive from LaPorta.

Looking at the play above, you can see LaPorta aligned next to Taylor Decker (LT 68). Once the ball is snapped, he comes off the line with a jab step using his left foot. This forces the defensive end to take an extra step out and away from the ball and most importantly, it gives Decker a better chance or angle to seal the defensive end.

As for LaPorta, he begins to climb to the second level. From there, his aiming point is the outside shoulder of Colts cornerback (40) Jaylon Jones. Once LaPorta gets close, he throttles down with good pad level and begins to buzz his feet as he approaches the defender. Within striking distance, he hits with his hands and follows through with his feet. From there, he keeps his feet chopping and clears the defender 10 or 15 yards downfield.

https://x.com/RussNFLDraft/status/1720269409875320894

Going back to last season, there was obvious trust between Jared Goff and Sam LaPorta. Using the play above as an example, we go back to the Monday Night game between the Lions and Raiders.

Looking at the play above, the Lions use pre-snap motion to get into a 2×2 set. Once the ball is snapped, you’ll see LaPorta running a post route but it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s running an option route. That route would change depending on the depth and direction of the middle linebacker for the Raiders defense.

Reading the safeties, Goff knows there’s a potential mismatch and opening for LaPorta to score a touchdown. Meanwhile, there’s some obvious trust for Goff to throw the ball in a tighter window due to the linebacker’s coverage drop.

https://x.com/RussNFLDraft/status/1861397242906603542

All of that said, it just feels like there’s a disconnect between Goff and LaPorta this season. Moving back to last week against the Colts, the Lions are faced with a 3rd and short on their opening drive of the game. These down and distances tend to be very manageable for the Lions but this one ended up being a negative play.

Looking at the play above, the Lions use pre-snap motion to get into a condensed 3×1 set with their ’12’ personnel (one running back and two tight ends). Rather than running the ball, the Lions drop back to pass and coming off an exit motion is Sam LaPorta.

As LaPorta starts to get upfield, he breaks to the middle of the field on what appears to be a snag route at 5 or 6 yards. Rather than throttling down, sinking his hips and sitting in the passing window, LaPorta runs with high pad level and drifts towards the middle of the field. Despite very good coverage from Colts LB (44) Zaire Franklin, it felt like Goff would have tried to fit this pass into this window last season. Additionally, it feels and looks like LaPorta would have ran this route a lot cleaner a season ago.

Overall, we should all be very pleased to have Sam LaPorta as the starting tight end for the Lions. He’s an asset to the offense due to the fact that at any point, he could produce a big game. Meanwhile, defenses have to honor him whenever he’s on the field. If not, the Lions offense could really stay hot like they’ve been for most of this season.

Despite it looking evident of some type of disconnect between Goff and LaPorta, we’re starting to see increased targets for the second year tight end. Over the last four weeks, LaPorta has seen 21 targets and it’s led to 14 receptions for 161 yards and two touchdowns. The four weeks prior to that, he had only seen 9 targets.

As the Lions reach the final month of the season, it wouldn’t be surprising for their offense to start featuring more of LaPorta in the passing game. Especially now that we’re starting to see injuries to some of their playmakers such as Kalif Raymond, David Montgomery and Amon-Ra St. Brown. There’s no reason to hit the panic button but through this point of the season, there’s been some concern with Sam LaPorta. This Thanksgiving against the Chicago Bears

 

Detroit Lions Podcast: Bisch and Brown preview the Lions and Bears on Thanksgiving

Detroit Lions Podcast: Bisch and Brown preview the Lions and Bears on Thanksgiving

The Detroit Lions are fresh off their 9th straight and 10th win of the season! On Sunday, they beat the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 24 – 6 but it sure felt like that the Lions could have won by more. To break that game down, Russell Brown and Scott Bischoff are back for another episode of Bisch and Brown on the Detroit Lions Podcast!

On this episode, the guys discuss the following:

  • Lions beat the Colts 24 – 6 but doesn’t it feel like the Lions left some meat on the bone after this one?
  • Injuries are piling up for the Lions. What’s the latest with Taylor Decker, Carlton Davis, David Montgomery and others?
  • Lions vs. Bears Preview on Thanksgiving!

The guys get into all that and more! You can rate, review and subscribe to the Detroit Lions Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all other podcast platforms!

Lions vs Bears: Tuesday injury report and medical analysis

Lions vs Bears: Tuesday injury report and medical analysis ahead of Week 13

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, so the Lions who suffered injuries last game will need to see a rapid recovery in order to play vs the Bears. See my postgame report for videos of all the injuries.

On Monday, Dan Campbell specifically mentioned Kalif Raymond, Carlton Davis, and Taylor Decker as players whose game status is uncertain.

On Tuesday, Campbell expressed no change in optimism regarding the status of those three. He also gave many other injury updates which I will include below.

Both the Monday and Tuesday designations are estimates as the Lions only had walkthroughs.

DETROIT LIONS

Amon-Ra St. Brown WR – knee (NP LP)

St. Brown appeared to injure his right knee area on a punt return in the 4th quarter last game. He was grabbing at his lateral distal knee and upper calf area. He finished the game with no obvious debility which is reassuring. Hopefully, this is just a mild contusion or muscle strain.

Dan Campbell on Tuesday stated: “I feel pretty good about Saint”.  Expect him to play on Thanksgiving.

David Montgomery RB, shoulder (NP LP)

After a hard hit to the right shoulder, Montgomery exited the last game. The injury could be a simple contusion or a mild AC joint sprain. Good news though as all signs point towards him playing against his former team on Thursday.

Dan Campbell on Tuesday stated: “I feel pretty good about David”.

Carlton Davis CB, knee/thumb (NP NP)

The thumb is still on the report after a fracture two weeks ago, but the main concern is the new knee injury suffered last game. He took a bad step and hurt his left knee area. Video did not show anything obvious and the ACL is fine. I’m suspecting a mild muscle/tendon strain to the posterior knee.

While the early signals are that the injury is not major, the 2x NP suggests he’s likely out vs the Bears.

Taylor Decker OT, knee (NP NP)

Decker appeared to suffer a mild right MCL sprain and mild right high ankle sprain last game on the same play. While not severe, even a mild version of these injuries could keep him out on Thursday. His status for the game may depend on how he feels on Wednesday.

Kalif Raymond WR, foot (NP NP)

Raymond’s left foot came down hard which is concerning for a foot or toe sprain. A Lisfranc or turf toe are possible among other things. While the injury is expected to keep him out a while, it is good that there has been no report that this is a serious season-ender. He will almost certainly be out this week with the main question being whether he goes on IR before Thanksgiving.

Dan Campbell on Tuesday stated: “We are still waiting on a second opinion….The first word we got was positive.”

DJ Reader DT, illness (NP FP)

Reader played 60% of defensive snaps last game which was his highest percentage of the year. He may have come down with an illness after the game. The FP on Tuesday means the illness is no longer an issue and he’ll very likely play.

Terrion Arnold CB – groin (FP FP)

After missing one game with the groin, the 2x FP is great news that the injury was mild and he will likely play on Thanksgiving. With Davis likely out, getting Arnold back helps a lot.

NOTABLES

Emmanuel Moseley CB

After missing all year with a pec tear, Moseley saw his first action last game with 15 special teams snaps. With Davis likely out and Kindle Vildor struggling last game, Moseley might see some defensive snaps vs the Bears.

Ennis Rakestraw CB

With his second hamstring issue of the year, Rakestraw was placed on IR last week.

OTHER LIONS ON IR

Aidan Hutchinson DE – starter
Alex Anzalone LB – starter
Derrick Barnes LB – starter
Marcus Davenport DE – starter
John Cominsky DE/DT
Kyle Peko DT
Jalen Reeves-Maybin LB
Ifeatu Melifonwu S

CHICAGO BEARS

Elijah Hicks S, ankle (NP NP)

This safety started for five straight games before hurting his ankle and missing last game. The 2x NP means he’s likely out.

Ryan Bates LG, concussion (LP LP)

Bates has missed most of the season with a shoulder injury. He got a concussion two weeks ago and missed the last game. With no FP’s yet, his status for Thanksgiving is uncertain and will likely be determined at Wednesday’s practice.

Lions post-week 12 medical report and analysis

Lions post-week 12 medical report and analysis for all the injured Detroit players

Aside from a possible long-term injury to Kalif Raymond, early indications are that the Lions had a fairly healthy game vs the Colts. There were some minor scares though which could still impact the Thanksgiving game.

The Lions released an estimated injury report on Monday due to the short week game on Thanksgiving. All the players below had a “No Practice (NP)” on Monday.

DJ Reader also had an NP due to an illness. Terrion Arnold returned to a “Full Practice” with his groin. Arnold hurt his groin during practice last week and missed the Colts game.

Dan Campbell on Monday stated: “There’s probably three of them that [might not play]… It’s going to come down to the wire. The good news is that most of these are not a long-term thing.” Campbell specifically mentioned Taylor Decker, Carlton Davis, Kalif Raymond, and Amon-Ra St. Brown as possibly missing the Thanksgiving game.

Here are the injuries along with suspected diagnoses.

Kalif Raymond – left foot or toe sprain 3q 7:41

Raymond awkwardly lands hard on his left foot with hyperextended toes. The concerns here include a Lisfranc or turf toe injury with a turf toe being preferable. There are 26 bones in the foot so a lot of other things are possible.

A Lisfranc injury is a sprain or fracture of the midfoot area. Even a mild Lisfranc can be a 4-8 week recovery. A severe Lisfranc can be a career changer as Lions fans have seen in the past with Kevin Jones and Ameer Abdullah.

Taylor Decker – right MCL & right ankle sprain 3q 6:00

Decker was rolled up on here. The right ankle externally rotated which can cause a high ankle sprain. The right knee also appeared to bend inward slightly causing an MCL sprain. He left the game but was able to return the next drive which suggests mild severity.

While there is no long-term concern, even a mild MCL or high ankle sprain can lead to missed games.

On the Monday report, Decker was listed only with a knee and not an ankle.

David Montgomery – mild right shoulder contusion 3q 4:32

A direct blow to the right shoulder caused Montgomery to exit the game and not return. He stated after the game that he could have played if necessary which suggests there was no significant damage to the shoulder. A contusion or AC joint sprain are possible.

Based on Montgomery’s postgame comments and body language, the expectation is that he will be playing on Thanksgiving.

Carlton Davis – left knee area strain 4q 10:18

The non-contact injury to the knee with a slight valgus (inward) buckling can be seen with ACL tears. We saw this on video last year with Emmanuel Moseley and Nate Sudfeld. Fortunately, early signs are that Davis does not have an ACL tear. Video showed the orthopedist performing the Lachman ACL test which he passed.

It’s unlikely he has any other significant knee ligament damage either. A meniscus tear is also unlikely but an MRI will be obtained to confirm.

I’m suspecting a strain of one of the muscles or tendons attaching to the posterior knee area. Early signs are that the injury is minor.

Amon-Ra St. Brown – knee

St. Brown is surprisingly listed on the Monday injury report with a knee injury. I reviewed the game video and nothing jumped out. He looked to have no issues during the game and played until the end of the 4th quarter. I’m not expecting anything serious at this point and think there is a good chance he will be available on Thanksgiving.

UPDATE: After his punt return in the 4th quarter, he had a slight limp and reached for the right lateral knee and upper calf area. Hopefully, it’s just a mild muscle strain or knee contusion. He finished the game without obvious issues.

 

 

Lions now 10-0 when Gibbs and Montgomery both score TDs

Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery each scored TDs in the Lions win over the Colts. Detroit is now 10-0 when both score i the same game

When Jahmyr Gibbs scores, good things usually happen for the Detroit Lions. When David Montgomery scores, good things usually happen for the Lions.

But when they both score? That almost guarantees a win for the Lions. Sonic and Knuckles, as they are now affectionately known as, have each scored a touchdown in the same game ten times. Detroit has won all ten games.

Montgomery, who rushed eight times for 37 yards and a score before leaving with an injury, knows that there are still bigger goals ahead of them, saying they want “the whole cookie”, the cookie being a Super Bowl win.

When asked why it’s a big cookie, Montgomery said “It’s so much sweeter.”

Monty and Gibbs look to continue their roll on Thanksgiving against the Chicago Bears. The Lions moved to 10-1 with their 24-6 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Lions set record for consecutive games with rushing touchdowns

Lions set record for consecutive games with rushing touchdowns

It’s nice having David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions are almost a virtual lock to score a touchdown on the ground between those two. In fact, they just set an NFL record Sunday because of them, specifically Monty.

Montgomery’s first-quarter touchdown run marked the 24th consecutive game, including the playoffs, in which the Lions have scored a rushing touchdown. That is the longest streak in NFL history. The streak dates back to Week 6 of last season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

They are also now at 21 straight regular-season games with a rushing touchdown. That’s tied with the 1974-76 Miami Dolphins for the 3rd-longest streak in the NFL history.

David Montgomery hits Pee Wee Herman dance following touchdown run

David Montgomery hits Pee Wee Herman dance following touchdown run

After spotting the Jaguars three points via a 59-yard field goal, the Lions marched down the field, going 70 yards in nine plays and taking 4:37 off the clock. It culminated with a two-yard touchdown run for David Montgomery. That’s his 9th rushing touchdown of the season and third in the last four games.

The running back channeled his inner child by doing the Pee Wee Herman dance in celebration. Montgomery must be a kid at heart. First, he and Jahmyr Gibbs become known as Sonic and Knuckles and now he pays tribute to the late great Paul Reubens, the man who played the iconic character.

Detroit is hoping to make Ford Field their own playhouse this week as a 14-point favorite. They were up 7-3 following Montgomery’s touchdown.

David Montgomery throws TD pass as Lions are blowing out Titans

David Montgomery throws the old halfback option pass for a touchdown

Dan Campbell will go with a trick play, no matter the situation nor the score.

Another example in Week Eight as the Lions went to the halfback option pass in the first half against the Titans despite being up 28-14.

David Montgomery took the football from Jared Goff on a pitch and the running back threw a five-yard touchdown pass to tight end Sam LaPorta.

Lions Monday medical report after the Week 7 win over the Vikings

Lions Monday medical report after the Week 7 win over the Vikings with updates on Montgomery, LaPorta and more

After a brutal game last week vs the Cowboys, the Lions needed a much healthier game this week vs the Vikings and early indications are they got it. Here are the injuries I saw on the initial watch along with suspected diagnoses.

In Dan Campbell’s Monday press conference, he only commented on David Montgomery.

David Montgomery 1q 4:28, left knee contusion

On video, Montgomery’s left knee banged hard on the ground while defenders landed on the back of his knee. He was able to return quickly and finished out the game without any noticeable effect. Landing on his knee like this could cause a patella contusion, prepatellar bursitis, or more severely, a PCL sprain. A meniscus tear is a possibility also.

Dan Campbell on Monday stated “he’s good…. he got kneed in the back of the knee… it’s more like a contusion… nothing should come from this”.

There is a good chance that Montgomery has already had an MRI showing no PCL sprain, meniscus tear, or other abnormalities. A simple contusion is an excellent outcome and Montgomery should be full-go for next game.

Amon-Ra St. Brown 1q 00:10, right knee contusion

St. Brown came up grabbing at his right knee after a catch. Slow-mo video review showed that he didn’t get hurt on the tackle or the fall, but from banging knees with a Viking defender as he was getting up. He didn’t miss any snaps.

Good news that the knee was protectively fully flexed at time of impact making a MCL sprain less likely. Likely this is just a benign contusion and he should be fine for next game.

Josh Paschal 2q 12:38, right elbow

Video showed Paschal landing hard on his right elbow. He returned later in the drive and played the rest of the game with a small elbow pad. The injury may be a simple contusion to the elbow or an olecranon bursitis.

In the 3rd quarter at the 13 minute mark, he went down appearing to have an issue with his left arm. There was no good video here. He was able to return later in the drive and finish out the game.

At this point, I’m not expecting anything serious with Paschal, but the initial injury report on Wednesday will be something to watch.

Sam LaPorta 2q 2:00, right knee hyperextension

After making a catch, LaPorta’s right knee was very slightly hyperextended when he was hit while getting up. He didn’t miss a play. Hyperextensions can cause bone bruises and ligament sprains but the video looked pretty benign. I expect him to be fine vs the Titans.

Recall that last year in the final regular season game, LaPorta had a much more severe hyperextension of his left knee. He played the very next game in the playoffs with a knee brace.