Why isn’t David Montgomery playing for Lions against 49ers in Week 17 MNF? What about Kalif Raymond?

The Detroit Lions find themselves with some issues as they prepare for Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17. One glaring absence will be that of running back David Montgomery, a cornerstone of their offense this season.

So, why isn’t Montgomery suiting up for the Lions in this critical showdown? Let’s take a look...

No Montgomery for the Lions

Montgomery was officially ruled out for Week 17 due to a knee injury, marking his second straight missed game. The news wasn’t entirely unexpected. This is a player who has been instrumental in keeping Detroit’s offense balanced and productive, forming one half of the dynamic “Sonic and Knuckles” duo with fellow back Jahmyr Gibbs.

The knee injury, which initially surfaced during a Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills, turned out to be far more serious than Montgomery – or the Lions - hoped. Despite briefly returning to that game, further testing revealed he had torn his MCL. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the grim news days later, announcing Montgomery would undergo season-ending surgery. Without him, Jahmyr Gibbs carries an even heavier load, but there have since been talk of a return if the Lions go deep.

Who else is missing for the Lions in Week 17?

Montgomery isn’t the only notable absence. Wide receiver Kalif Raymond remains sidelined with a foot injury and hasn’t been activated off injured reserve, despite practicing earlier in the week. Additionally, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin is listed as questionable due to a neck issue, though his full participation in practice offers hope he’ll play.

On a brighter note, cornerback Terrion Arnold (illness) and guard Graham Glasgow (knee) were cleared to play, but the absence of Montgomery overshadows these updates. Detroit’s margin for error against a 49ers team firing on all cylinders just got that much smaller. And then come the playoffs...

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