As the Detroit Lions gear up for their much-anticipated divisional showdown against the Washington Commanders this Saturday, the team finds itself in a position of cautious optimism. The Lions have launched into on-field preparations with a clear sense of purpose, as they aim to fine-tune their strategies against a Commanders team that has proven porous against the run.
This week’s practice sessions have been marked by the presence of a key player: running back David Montgomery. Initially feared to be sidelined for the entire season due to a knee injury, Montgomery has defied predictions with a timely recovery. Medical evaluations indicated that his return would come roughly a month after the injury, and true to these projections, Montgomery has been back on the practice field. This Tuesday, he was listed as a full participant during a walk-through practice session.
Montgomery’s return is a significant boost for the Lions, who rank sixth in the NFL with an average of 146.4 rushing yards per game. His presence not only beefs up their backfield but also brings back a vital "bell cow" in their offensive lineup. Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell articulated Montgomery’s value plainly: "No. 5 is a big part of us. He's a huge part of us. To me, he's a bell cow. He's somebody that is a tone-setter. He's a catalyst. There's a place for him here and a place for him in this game."
Facing the Commanders, the Lions offense will look to exploit one of their opponent’s weak points. Washington’s defense has had difficulty containing the run, allowing the third-most rushing yards in the league, at 137.5 per game. Their struggles in this department are further underscored by opponents averaging 4.8 yards per carry against them. With Montgomery back and ready to contribute, Detroit seems set to capitalize on these defensive vulnerabilities.
While Montgomery’s return is a highlight for the Lions, the team’s injury report isn’t entirely without concerns. Defensive lineman Pat O’Connor, cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and guard Kevin Zeitler are currently listed as nonparticipants due to their respective injuries. Their status remains a matter of concern as the Lions prepare to face a Commanders team hungry to overturn their own fortunes.
Cornerback Terrion Arnold, on the other hand, has fully participated in practice, providing some reassurance for the Lions’ secondary. His fitness will be pivotal in countering the Commanders’ passing threats, complementing an energized Detroit defense ready for the test.
As Saturday’s clash looms, the stakes are clear for the Lions. With Montgomery once again setting the tone in the backfield and a defense prepared to stifle Washington’s advances, Detroit enters this matchup with both ambition and careful confidence. In a game where momentum, strategy, and execution will be everything, the Lions’ recent preparations—which blend recovery, tactical cohesion, and the strategic return of key players—could well prove to be decisive against a Commanders squad struggling to find consistency in their defensive ranks.