Good news from Detroit as the Lions shared positive updates on the injury status of running back David Montgomery and cornerback Terrion Arnold. Both players were full participants in Tuesday’s practice, according to the team’s report. With the Lions coming off a bye week, they are gearing up for their upcoming matchup against the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
Montgomery, who tore his MCL in a game against the Buffalo Bills on December 15, opted to avoid surgery and instead focused on rehabilitation in hopes of returning for the postseason. He has been a key asset to the team this season, rushing for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns across 14 games after joining the Lions in 2023 from the Chicago Bears.
Head coach Dan Campbell emphasized Montgomery’s importance to the team, saying, “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.”
As for Arnold, he suffered a foot injury during the Lions’ Week 18 game against the Minnesota Vikings, where he was carted off the field. However, Campbell confirmed that Arnold’s X-rays came back negative, offering some relief. Arnold, who was drafted by the Lions with the 24th overall pick this year, has proven himself valuable with 60 tackles, 10 passes defended, and one fumble recovery in 16 games.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn had high praise for Arnold, acknowledging his growth throughout the season. “Listen, he’s always been sticky in coverage, it’s the growth of him from how he started to where he is now,” said Glenn. “And I know that everybody was on him about these PIs, which still kills me, but listen, that player is going to be a damn good player for us.”
Glenn further noted, “We’re putting a lot of pressure on this player by the way that we play, but there’s no other way that he would want it. So, I’m glad we’ve got him for the simple fact that he’s going to be one of the top corners in this league as his years progress.”
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Detroit Lions Celebrate Historic Achievement by Sam LaPorta
In a standout performance during the 2024 NFL regular season, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta continued to impress in his second year. As the No. 34 overall pick from Iowa, LaPorta racked up 60 catches for 726 yards and seven touchdowns.
This impressive total adds to his strong performance from his Pro Bowl rookie season in 2023. With 144 career receptions, LaPorta now holds the all-time record for most receptions by a tight end in their first two seasons. The Lions took to social media on Friday to celebrate LaPorta’s historic feat, posting, “Sam’s been getting after it!” on X.
However, LaPorta’s record may not stand for long. Brock Bowers, a rookie tight end for the Las Vegas Raiders, set a new rookie record with 112 catches in his debut season, earning first-team All-Pro honors, which could potentially eclipse LaPorta’s mark in 2025.
LaPorta’s stellar play has been a key factor in the Lions’ dominant season, as Detroit finished the regular season with a 15-2 record, claiming the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The Lions will face the lowest remaining seed in the divisional round at Ford Field next weekend, following their bye in the wild-card round.
