Is David Montgomery Playing Today? Unpacking the Lions RB’s Slow Start in Week 17

The Detroit Lions’ march toward the playoffs has been powered by a dynamic, two-headed rushing attack all season. But in the crucial Week 17 Thursday night showdown against the Minnesota Vikings, one half of that duo seemed conspicuously absent from the game plan. Veteran running back David Montgomery, a model of consistency and physicality for Detroit, was off to another slow start, leaving fans and fantasy managers alike asking a pressing question: Is David Montgomery playing today, and what’s behind his quiet night?

The answer, visible on every snap, was yes—Montgomery was on the field. However, his involvement was minimal in the early going, a trend that has become more pronounced as the season reaches its climax. This isn’t a case of injury or benching, but a deliberate and strategic shift by the Lions’ coaching staff that is reshaping the backfield hierarchy and could define their offensive identity heading into the postseason.

The Backfield Evolution: A Deliberate Shift to Jahmyr Gibbs

To understand Montgomery’s reduced role in Week 17, one must look at the broader arc of the Lions’ 2024 season. The signing of David Montgomery in the 2023 offseason, paired with the drafting of Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall, created one of the league’s most potent and complementary rushing tandems. Last year, the split was relatively even, with Montgomery serving as the early-down hammer and Gibbs providing the explosive, change-of-pace spark.

This season, however, the Lions have executed a concerted effort to get Jahmyr Gibbs more work. The second-year phenom has evolved from a specialty weapon into the centerpiece of the offense. The team’s investment in his unique skill set—a blend of elite receiving ability and home-run speed—is paying massive dividends. This strategic pivot means the backfield touches are no longer a near-50/50 split. Gibbs is now the primary engine, with Montgomery transitioning into a crucial, but more situational, role.

This shift was on full display against the Vikings. The initial game script featured Gibbs as the clear lead, handling carries between the tackles and being motioned out as a receiver. The Lions are leveraging his versatility to create mismatches and force defenses to declare their intentions pre-snap. This philosophical change is the primary driver behind Montgomery’s quiet statistical starts.

Breaking Down Montgomery’s Week 17 Role and Slow Start

Labeling Montgomery’s performance as a “slow start” requires context. His traditional stats—limited carries and yards in the first half—tell only part of the story. His role has been refined and specialized. Against Minnesota, Montgomery’s presence was felt in key areas:

• Short-Yardage and Goal-Line Specialist: Montgomery remains Detroit’s most trusted option in critical power situations. His physical, north-south running style is invaluable when inches are needed.
• Blitz Protection and Pass Pro: Montgomery’s experience and stout build make him arguably the best pass-protecting back on the roster. On obvious passing downs, his presence is often to safeguard Jared Goff.
• Clock-Killing and Game Management: When the Lions hold a lead and aim to grind out the game, Montgomery’s skill set becomes paramount. His ability to fall forward and secure positive yardage is key to closing out victories.

Therefore, a “slow start” for Montgomery is often a byproduct of the game’s flow. If the Lions are playing from behind or in a fast-paced shootout, the offense naturally tilts toward Gibbs’ big-play potential. Montgomery’s opportunities frequently accumulate later in games, particularly when Detroit is protecting a lead. This was the exact scenario that unfolded against the Vikings, where his touches and impact grew as the Lions secured control.

Expert Analysis: The Strategic Genius Behind the Rotation

This is not a demotion for David Montgomery, but a strategic evolution by Head Coach Dan Campbell and Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson. They are managing a wealth of talent with the long game in mind—the NFL playoffs.

First, preserving Montgomery’s physicality for January is a smart long-term play. The wear and tear on a between-the-tackles bruiser like Montgomery is immense. By reducing his early-down workload in December, the Lions are ensuring he enters the postseason with fresh legs, ready to unleash his punishing style when the weather turns and games become more physical.

Second, unleashing Gibbs now forces defensive coordinators to spend their entire preparation week scheming for his unique talents. This opens up the entire playbook and creates opportunities for other players. It’s an offensive system that prioritizes creating explosive plays, and Gibbs is the most likely candidate to deliver them.

Finally, this rotation makes the Lions’ offense less predictable. While Gibbs is on the field more, his usage is multifaceted—he’s not just a runner. Montgomery’s entry into the game, while sometimes signaling a run, also brings a level of credibility to play-action passes that defenses must respect.

Predictions: What to Expect for Montgomery and the Lions’ Run Game Rest of Season

As the Lions solidify their playoff positioning, expect this backfield dynamic to continue, but with a crucial caveat: David Montgomery’s importance will magnify.

• Regular Season Finale: Montgomery may see limited touches if the game script allows, continuing the preservation plan. His usage will be situational and high-leverage.
• Wild Card Weekend: This is where Montgomery’s role could expand significantly. Playoff football often tightens, and his ability to grind out tough yards, convert third-and-short, and finish drives in the red zone will be at a premium.
• Deep Playoff Run: In a potential frigid road game or a battle against a top-tier defensive front, Montgomery’s physicality becomes the Lions’ secret weapon. He is the perfect counter-punch to Gibbs’ speed, and a playoff run may very well hinge on the Lions’ ability to toggle between these two styles seamlessly.

Fantasy managers may be frustrated, but from a pure football perspective, the Lions are deploying their resources masterfully. They have developed Gibbs into a star while maintaining a Pro Bowl-level weapon in Montgomery for the moments that matter most.

Conclusion: A Slow Start, But a Critical Finish Awaits

So, was David Montgomery playing in Week 17? Absolutely. But his role is no longer that of a co-lead back sharing equal snaps. The Detroit Lions have successfully transitioned their offense to feature the extraordinary talents of Jahmyr Gibbs, making him the focal point of their attack. David Montgomery’s “slow starts” are a direct result of this intentional and intelligent strategic shift.

Do not mistake a reduced early-game workload for a diminished player. Montgomery remains an integral, culture-setting piece of the Lions’ identity. His toughness, reliability, and knack for finding the end zone are assets that will be called upon heavily when the stakes are at their highest. For the Lions, this isn’t a problem to solve—it’s a luxury to manage. They possess two elite running backs with contrasting styles, and they are shrewdly deploying them on a timeline built for a Super Bowl chase. Montgomery’s quiet beginning in Week 17 may very well be the prelude to a thunderous and decisive conclusion in January.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.