Detroit Lions get not one but two huge boosts ahead of NFL playoffs’ divisional round

The Detroit Lions have received two huge boosts ahead of the NFL playoffs with the news that both David Montgomery and Terrion Arnold are set to play in the divisional round after recent injuries.

2024 was quite the year for the Detroit Lions, made all the more remarkable by the sheer number of injuries they suffered in defense. Dan Campbell’s team ended the regular season with a 15-2 record, the franchise’s best ever performance in its 94-year history.

Despite their superb form, they needed a Week 18 victory to clinch the NFC North ahead of the 14-3 Minnesota Vikings, although that also saw them take the conference’s No. 1 seed for the playoffs.

Who will the Lions play in the NFL divisional round?

As a result, the Lions have a bye in the wild-card round, giving them an extra week to prepare for the divisional round, where they will face either the Vikings or the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field on January 18 or 19. By being the best-ranked team in the NFC, Detroit ‘only’ need to win two home games to reach their first ever Super Bowl.

Having a free week should allow some players to return to fitness, with positive updates on Montgomery and Arnold revealed on Tuesday.

Lions injury update: Montgomery, Arnold, Zeitler...

Campbell simply said “I do” when asked by the media whether he expects Montgomery to be ready to return to action against the Vikings or the Rams. The running back injured his left medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his knee in the Week 15 defeat to the Buffalo Bills but opted for rehab over surgery to ensure a rapid return, a decision that now looks to have paid off.

Arnold, meanwhile, went down with what appeared to be a serious leg injury on Sunday against the Lions. However, the rookie cornerback believes he will be playing in the divisional round, even if his coach stopped short of 100% guaranteeing he and safety Kevin Zeitler, who also suffered a leg injury against the Vikings, would be involved.

“We got better news on Zeitler and Arnold,” Campbell told the press. “I can’t guarantee that they are playing but it’s much better than it appeared to be when the injuries happened. So it’s positive news.”

Arnold himself told the Detroit Free Press “I’m playing,” which would suggest he’s much more in than out.

Will Aidan Hutchinson play for the Lions in the postseason?

Star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson won’t be involved in the divisional round of a potential NFC championship game, although he does believe he will be ready for the Super Bowl (February 9) if the Lions make it that far. It would be quite the time to return.

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