The Detroit Lions are gearing up to kick off their postseason campaign on Saturday in the divisional round, where they’ll face the Washington Commanders. As the top seed in the NFC, the Lions earned a bye during wildcard weekend.
This break couldn’t have come at a better time for Detroit, which has been plagued by injuries throughout the season, with multiple players sidelined on injured reserve. The team is optimistic about the potential return of key contributors, including seasoned running back David Montgomery, for Saturday’s matchup.
Montgomery sustained what initially appeared to be a season-ending knee injury in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills. However, after consulting with medical professionals, it was determined he had only suffered an MCL sprain. Opting for rehabilitation instead of surgery, Montgomery is now poised to make his comeback in the divisional round.
On Monday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell shared an encouraging injury update that is sure to excite fans. According to Colton Pouncey of The Athletic, Campbell noted, “We didn’t have any injuries over the last few days, so I think we’re OK.”
While it’s not surprising given their bye week, the absence of new injuries is a welcome relief for a team that has battled adversity all season. Despite these challenges, Campbell’s leadership has propelled the Lions to an NFC North title and a stellar 15-2 record, securing the No. 1 seed. Alongside the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit stands as one of only two teams with 15 wins this season.
The Lions now prepare to face a Washington Commanders squad riding high after an impressive road win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This will be Detroit’s first encounter with the Commanders this season, as well as their first look at standout rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, a frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Daniels has been a dual-threat force, excelling both in the air and on the ground. The Lions’ defense, bolstered by the recent return of veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone in Week 18, will face a tough test in containing the dynamic quarterback.
