David Montgomery’s Role in Detroit: A Backfield Star in Limbo as Lions Eye Playoff Push
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DETROIT - The Detroit Lions are chasing another deep playoff run, but one of their most reliable weapons, David Montgomery, finds himself in an unfamiliar position: on the sidelines more often than he’s used to.
At 28, Montgomery has been a steady force in the Lions’ backfield since arriving in 2023. But lately, his touches have been trending down - and his recent social media activity has fans wondering if frustration is starting to bubble beneath the surface.
On December 5, Montgomery posted a reflective message on Instagram: *“God grant me humility and gratitude and relieve me of selfishness and fear. #Blessed.”
- On its own, it read like a personal mantra. But things took a turn when a fan commented, urging Montgomery to request a trade, citing his reduced role compared to the explosive Jahmyr Gibbs.
The fan’s comment wasn’t subtle: *“The way they’re treating you and glazing Gibbs is atrocious. Look what happens when we don’t use you.
We lose.” *
Montgomery liked the comment - at least for a while. That one tap was enough to stir speculation about his mindset, especially as it appeared he later unliked it. Then came another Instagram post: a photo of his jersey hanging in his locker, no caption, just vibes - and not necessarily the upbeat kind.
The Sonic & Knuckles Era
Detroit’s backfield tandem of Gibbs and Montgomery - affectionately dubbed “Sonic and Knuckles” by fans - has been a cornerstone of the Lions’ offensive identity the past two seasons. Their contrasting styles have complemented each other perfectly: Gibbs, the lightning-quick playmaker, and Montgomery, the powerful, between-the-tackles bruiser who wears down defenses.
Last season, that combo helped fuel a 15-2 record and the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Montgomery was a big part of that, rushing 185 times for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also hauling in 36 receptions. He was the hammer to Gibbs’ scalpel - and it worked.
This year, however, the script has changed. Through 15 games, Montgomery has 140 carries for 649 yards (a healthy 4.6 yards per carry), eight total touchdowns, and 21 receptions.
Those are solid numbers, especially when you consider he’s doing it on fewer touches. His best outing came in Week 3 against Baltimore, when he gashed the Ravens for 151 yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries - a reminder of what he can do when featured.
But since November 9, when he logged double-digit carries against the Commanders, his workload has steadily declined. Against the Steelers, he had just four carries for 14 yards. That’s not just a light day - that’s barely breaking a sweat.
Where Do the Lions Go From Here?
Head coach Dan Campbell now faces a delicate balancing act. With two games left in the regular season and playoff seeding at stake, he has to figure out how to reengage a veteran back who’s been instrumental to the team’s identity - all while continuing to ride the hot hand in Gibbs.
Montgomery is under contract through 2026, with a base salary of $5.49 million next season. If Detroit were to trade him after June 1, they’d save $3.5 million in cap space - but that’s a big “if,” and it hinges on more than just dollars and cents. It’s about fit, usage, and whether both sides still see a future together.
For now, Montgomery remains a Lion. But his role is clearly in flux. And as the team gears up to face the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day - a nationally streamed showdown on Netflix - all eyes will be on how (or if) he’s featured in the game plan.
Is this just a late-season lull, or the beginning of a bigger shift in Detroit’s backfield hierarchy? That answer might come sooner than later. One thing’s for sure: the Lions are deep into a playoff race, and leaving a proven playmaker like Montgomery on the shelf could end up being a risk they can’t afford.