The fact that Montgomery played in this game at all is a bit of a miracle. Montgomery went down with a knee issue late in the year that was initially believed to be season-ending. After getting multiple opinions on the injury, Montgomery eventually managed to avoid surgery and use the final three weeks of the regular season plus Detroit’s first-round bye to rehab. It would not be surprising in the least to see him undergo some sort of procedure in the offseason. Montgomery gave up far more work to Jahmyr Gibbs this year, with his carry total falling from 219 in 2023 to 185 this year while playing the same number of games. He also averaged fewer yards per carry, bringing his yardage total to 775, though he did score a dozen touchdowns. Montgomery also saw an uptick in receiving work, catching 36 balls for 341 yards. The Knuckles to Gibbs’ Sonic will likely take another slight step back next year as Gibbs continues to ascend, but Montgomery is a talented power back with a nose for the end zone. Coming off his fourth consecutive season with at least 1,100 yards from scrimmage, Montgomery remains in the RB2 mix for early fantasy drafters.

Montgomery was trending toward a return after being a full participant in practice all week. The thunder to Jahmyr Gibbs’ lightning will officially be good to go for Saturday’s game, with a right to host the NFC Championship Game on the line. Montgomery averaged 15.8 touches per game during the regular season and should see plenty of work against a Commanders defense that has struggled to slow opposing ground games. In addition to Montgomery, the Lions also listed CB Ennis Rakestraw as questionable for Saturday’s game while ruling out guard Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) and DE Pat O’Conner (calf).

Montgomery’s continued participation suggests he remains setback-free. He told reporters earlier today that he is “ready to go” and his practice status confirms it. It is likely that the Lions continue to lean on Jahmyr Gibbs but Montgomery should be able to at least chip in, in lower-stakes situations.

Montgomery practiced in full Tuesday after missing two games with an MCL injury. “It’s just refreshing kind of to be back in the position where I can help the team,” Montgomery told reporters Tuesday. “I wouldn’t be out there if I wasn’t ready.” If Montgomery suits up against Washington, The Detroit Free Press’ Rainer Sabin said it remains “unclear” how much he will play in his return to action. Jahmyr Gibbs should remain the Lions’ lead back in a matchup against a soft Commanders rush defense that should have a tough time containing Detroit’s league-best rushing attack.