The Detroit Lions could have the services of running back David Montgomery sooner than expected. Following a loss last week to the Buffalo Bills, it was reported the talented running back was seeking opinions regarding how to proceed after suffering a MCL injury in Week 15.

After #Lions RB David Montgomery spent the last few days consulting with medical experts, sources are now optimistic that the star avoided the season-ending surgery that was initially feared. Montgomery will rehab with the hope that he can return at some point this postseason. pic.twitter.com/epN40XUoPy

If Montgomery opted to undergo surgery, something Lions coach Dan Campbell said Monday was happening, the veteran running back would miss the rest of the season, including the playoffs. If he opts to let the injury scar over and heal naturally, he could return at some point in the postseason.

Replacing running back David Montgomery won't be as simple as the Lions giving all of his carries to Jahmyr Gibbs.

Dan Campbell said he does not expect Carlton Davis to return to Lions this season from a broken jaw, but IR decision remains on David Montgomery.

Montgomery told local media Tuesday that he hoped to recover in time to play sometime during the playoffs, and after consulting with doctors, it appears that he may have a path fo

Quarterback Jared Goff and an Amon-Ra St. Brown-led pass-catching group exemplify great cohesion and success, to be clear, but the Lions rely heavily on their backs to dictate the pace of the action. A healthy David Montgomery, or at least one who is able to suit up in the playoffs, could provide this group a valuable life raft.

According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Lions running back David Montgomery is eyeing a return in the divisional round of the playoffs. “He now is going to rehab with a realistic goal of being back for the divisional round of the playoffs,