The Lions were already without first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs at running back against the Buccaneers. Now, they are without their No. 1 running back and rushing touchdown leader, too.
That would be David Montgomery. The veteran running back exited the game after suffering an apparent rib injury after making a catch in the second quarter.
Montgomery landed on the football after rumbling 19 yards on the gain. He appeared to land on the football and remained on the ground in pain after the tackle.
#Lions RB David Montgomery left the game with an apparent rib injury after landing on the ball at the end of this play.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 15, 2023
Montgomery is questionable to return.
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Montgomery was eventually able to get to the sideline but was taken to the locker room. The team originally announced that he was questionable to return because of the rib problem but he was later downgraded to out because of the injury.
Fox Sports' Pam Oliver reported X-rays on Montgomery's ribs were negative.
Before exiting, Montgomery had just 14 yards on six carries and made just one catch for 19 yards. It was expected he might have a tough day against a strong Buccaneers run defense, and that prognostication came true.
With Montgomery out, the Lions will be extra shorthanded at the running back position with Gibbs also out of action. Here's what to know about who they have available for the game.
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Lions RB depth chart
Below is a look at the running backs that the Lions have available on their active roster for Sunday's game:
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | David Montgomery |
| 2 | Craig Reynolds |
| 3 | Devine Ozigbo |
Reynolds is now the Lions' lead back with Montgomery out for the game. The Kutztown product has been in the league since going undrafted in 2019 and has comported himself well as a runner, totaling 410 yards and a touchdown on 93 career carries.
Reynolds is a strong runner and a great blocker. Lions fans learned that after he made a key block on Amon-Ra St. Brown's 27-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter against the Buccaneers.
This block by Craig Reynolds on Amon-Ra's touchdown 💪
— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2023
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Reynolds seems likely to handle the bulk of the workload while Ozigbo, who signed with the team in August, will spell him with Montgomery out.
Were Gibbs active, he would have been the backup to Montgomery. So, if the veteran's injury is of the long-term variety, then Gibbs and Reynolds will likely handle most of the workload upon the rookie's return.
But for the rest of Sunday, it seems likely to be the Reynolds show.
