David Montgomery to be out 'a couple weeks'

Lions RB David Montgomery told reporters Monday morning that he'll need "a couple weeks" for the quad he injured Sunday to heal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. That means you'll need to plan for Montgomery to miss at least the next two games, and perhaps more beyond that. Jahmyr Gibbs obviously stands as the backfield's top fantasy play in Montgomery's absence. RB Craig Reynolds also got involved for 3 carries and 1 target after Montgomery left the OT loss to Seattle. Reynolds is worth a pickup in deeper fantasy football leagues, ahead of a Week 3 home date with the Falcons.

Lions RB David Montgomery out-carried Jahmyr Gibbs 12-8 in Week 11. Each RB finished with 14 opportunities. Both scored goal line TDs, while the low volume can be traced to poor game flow. Surprisingly, the Lions faced a 6+ point deficit for most of the second half. A strong rest-of-season schedule keeps both RBs as top-15 options moving forward. Next up is a home matchup with Green Bay.

Lions RB David Montgomery had an awesome 75-yard TD run in the 41-38 Week 10 win over the Chargers. He made multiple defenders miss at the first and second levels -- and then flashed impressive speed to outrun the rest of the Chargers defense to the end zone. Unfortunately, that's the only positive we can take from Montgomery's Week 10. He totaled just 41 scoreless yards on his other 11 carries. Montgomery trailed RB Jahmyr Gibbs in carries (14 to 12) and targets (5 to 0). Gibbs even out-carried Montgomery four to two inside the Los Angeles 10-yard line. That's particularly worrisome considering 40% of Montgomery's PPR production this season has come via TDs. And five of his seven TDs have come from inside the 10. If Montgomery is going to split carries with Gibbs -- and cede most of the passing-game work -- he'll struggle to produce as more than a low-end RB2 the rest of the way. We'll see if this backfield usage continues in Week 11 against the Bears. That plus matchup should at least keep Montgomery in starting fantasy lineups.

Lions RB David Montgomery (ribs) put in a full week of practice and isn’t listed on the final injury report for Sunday’s game vs. the Chargers. We’ll see exactly what this backfield looks like after RB Jahmyr Gibbs’ breakout Week 8. But there should be enough to go around for Montgomery and Gibbs vs. the Chargers’ 22nd-ranked RB defense.

Lions RB David Montgomery (ribs) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. It's confirmation that he's set to return for this weekend's game vs. the Chargers. We'll see exactly how touches are divvied between Montgomery and RB Jahmyr Gibbs, but both guys are strong fantasy plays vs. the Chargers' 22nd-ranked RB defense.

Lions HC Dan Campbell said Monday that it's "looking good" for RB David Montgomery (ribs) to return for this weekend's game vs. the Chargers. Montgomery missed Detroit's last two games with a rib cartilage injury. RB Jahmyr Gibbs played extremely well in his absence, ripping off 220 rushing yards on 6.0 yards per carry and catching 14 balls for 95 yards. Montgomery has been Detroit's clear lead back when healthy this season, though. Figuring out how touches will be distributed this Sunday will be a key to the Week 10 slate.