Lions lose Montgomery, McNeill for season due to knee injuries

The Detroit Lions lost both running back David Montgomery and defensive lineman Alim McNeill to season-ending knee injuries, head coach Dan Campbell announced Monday, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.

"We're going to miss him," Campbell said of Montgomery, who's undergoing surgery for an MCL injury, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The running back was one of several injury blows to the Lions in Sunday's 48-42 defeat to the Buffalo Bills, as McNeil suffered a torn ACL and cornerback Carlton Davis fractured his jaw, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

Campbell added that Davis will be out for the immediate future, per Jones. Initial reports said the cornerback would be sidelined for at least six weeks.

McNeill and Davis join a lengthy list of injuries Detroit's defense has endured this season.

Montgomery has formed an outstanding duo with running mate Jahmyr Gibbs. The latter has rushed for 1,047 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Montgomery has tallied 775 yards and 12 scores.

Davis' reported six-week recovery timeline could put him on track to return this campaign if the Lions make a deep playoff run.

McNeill started 14 games this season with 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble. The 2021 third-round pick has been an integral part of Detroit's defensive front, with the team signing him to a four-year, $97-million extension in October.

Davis, traded to the Lions this past offseason, has recorded two interceptions and 13 starts in 2024.

Detroit is 12-2 on the season and holds the NFC's No. 1 seed.