National Football League

Lions RB David Montgomery (MCL) to miss remainder of 2024 season

Updated Dec. 16, 2024 3:28 p.m. ET

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David Montgomery joined the growing list of Detroit Lions players who'll miss the remainder of the 2024 season.

The Lions' running back suffered an MCL injury in their loss to the Buffalo Bills that will require him to undergo season-ending surgery, Detroit coach Dan Campbell told reporters on Monday.

"We're going to miss him," Campbell said.

Montgomery was one of four Lions players who suffered a long-term injury in their loss to the Bills. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill suffered a season-ending ACL tear, cornerback Carlton Davis will undergo surgery on his broken jaw and cornerback Khalil Dorsey broke his right leg, which will sideline him for the remainder of the seaon, according to multiple reports.

Lions coach Dan Campbell expressed fear that each player could miss the remainder of the season when he spoke with reporters following Sunday's 48-42 loss.

"We'll know more about Alim and [Davis] tomorrow, but I don't feel good about either one of those guys," Campbell said. "If I'm saying I don't feel good about an injury, that means not good for the rest of the season."

Montgomery has helped form arguably the league's best running back duos alongside Jahmyr Gibbs for the second straight season. He's rushed for 775 yards on 4.2 yards per carry and 12 touchdowns, which is tied for the fourth-most in the league.

McNeill has emerged as a pivotal player for the Lions' defense. He's recorded 25 total tackles with 3.5 sacks this season after recording five sacks last year. The fourth-year defensive tackle's performance in 2023 helped him earn a four-year, $97 million extension in October.

Davis started all 13 games he played in for the Lions after the team traded for him over the offseason. He's recorded 56 total tackles, two interceptions and two fumbles recovered in those 13 games.

Dorsey has primarily been a special teams player for the Lions this season, playing in 71% of the team's special teams snaps. He's recorded 14 total tackles this season.

The Lions already have 18 players on injured reserve, with the majority of them expected to miss the remainder of the season. Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and linebacker Alex Anzalone headline the long group of players on injured reserve. There is some hope that Hutchinson could return from his broken leg injury if the Lions make it to the NFC Championship Game, FOX Sports' Jay Glazer previously reported. Anzalone was expected to miss six to eight weeks after being placed on injured reserve on Nov. 18. 

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National Football League

Detroit Lions

David Montgomery

Alim McNeill

Carlton Davis

Khalil Dorsey