David Montgomery’s Usage Drops Again - And He Might Be Speaking Up
David Montgomery isn’t saying much publicly these days - but he may have said just enough on Tuesday to raise a few eyebrows in Detroit.
The Lions running back, who’s seen his role shrink significantly this season, took to Instagram with a cryptic story post that had fans wondering what’s really going on behind the scenes. No caption.
Just an image. But in today’s NFL, that’s often all it takes to set off alarms - especially when a proven veteran like Montgomery suddenly finds himself on the outside looking in.
And make no mistake, Montgomery’s workload has taken a serious hit.
He logged just four carries for 14 yards in Detroit’s loss to Pittsburgh, marking the sixth straight game he’s had fewer than 10 rushing attempts. That’s a far cry from the bell-cow role he’s handled in the past. Once the physical counterpunch to Jahmyr Gibbs’ electric speed - the “Knuckles” to Gibbs’ “Sonic” - Montgomery now finds himself used more as a change-of-pace option than a true 1A.
The numbers tell the story. Montgomery is averaging 4.6 yards per carry - tied for his best mark since arriving in Detroit - but he’s only getting 9.3 carries per game.
That’s down from 13.2 last season and 15.6 the year before. Efficiency?
Still there. Opportunity?
Not so much.
And that’s where the frustration may be creeping in.
At 28, Montgomery’s not washed. He’s not limping to the finish line of his career.
He’s healthy, productive when given touches, and still has the physicality that made him such a key part of Detroit’s early-season success. But with Gibbs blossoming into a versatile threat and the Lions leaning more into their explosive playmakers, Montgomery’s role has quietly - and consistently - diminished.
Tuesday’s Instagram post didn’t spell anything out. It didn’t demand a trade.
It didn’t call anyone out. But it didn’t have to.
For a player who’s been a steady presence in the locker room and a tone-setter on the field, even a subtle message can carry weight. Whether it’s a sign of frustration, a hint at offseason plans, or just a moment of venting, it’s clear something is simmering beneath the surface.
And while the Lions have bigger goals in sight - a playoff push, a potential NFC title run - how they manage their backfield dynamic could quietly shape more than just this season. Because if David Montgomery still feels like he has more to give, and he’s not getting the chance to show it, that story could be just beginning.