David Montgomery remains one of the more intriguing running backs in the NFL, especially in the Lions’ backfield where he shares duties with Jahmyr Gibbs. In 2025, Montgomery has had moments of high productivity, but also faced questions about his health, role, and fantasy value. This article covers his rushing yards for his most recent game, his current injury status, contract details, and what fantasy managers should expect moving forward.
Rushing Yards Today
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In Detroit Lions’ latest game vs. the Baltimore Ravens, David Montgomery had a career-high performance: 151 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.
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He carried the ball 12 times in that game, averaging 12.6 yards per carry. His longest run was 72 yards, showing breakaway ability.
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This strong performance makes it clear that Montgomery can still deliver high upside, especially when given the opportunity in the ground game.
Injury Status / Is He Hurt?
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Prior to the recent games, Montgomery had a thigh bruise that kept him from practicing for several days, and he was considered “doubtful” for a game vs. Atlanta.
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However, for his latest game (vs. Baltimore), he was active and not listed with any limiting designation. Thus, his thigh issue appears to have improved or resolved as of that game.
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Historically, in the 2024 season, he suffered an MCL injury in Week 15 but avoided what was feared might be season-ending surgery. The Lions expected him back for playoff games after recovery.
So as of now, he is healthy and played his latest game, with no current major injury listed.
Contract & Salary Details
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In October 2024, David Montgomery signed a two-year contract extension with the Detroit Lions. The deal is worth $18.25 million, with $10.5 million guaranteed.
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The extension ties him to the Lions through the 2027 season.
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Average annual salary from that extension is about $9,125,000 per year.
These numbers reflect that the Lions value him as a significant contributor, especially near the goal line and in short-yardage situations.
Fantasy Football Outlook
Strengths
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High TD Upside
Montgomery has consistently been utilized in goal-line situations, which gives him chances for touchdowns even if total yardage is modest. Fantasy managers prize such opportunities. -
Explosive Plays
His 72-yard run vs. Baltimore shows he still has breakaway speed and big-play potential. Games like this can produce fantasy blow-ups. -
Dual Threat
Even though his role in passing games isn’t massive, he does see targets occasionally, adding value in PPR (points per reception) formats. -
Veteran Reliability
He has shown durability in past seasons (outside of injury stretches), and the Lions seem committed to using him.
Weaknesses / Risks
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Shared Backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs has higher explosiveness, especially in open field and in passing game. That may limit Montgomery’s touches, particularly when Gibbs is healthy. -
Injury History
Age (entering late-20s), plus recent injuries (thigh bruise, MCL scare) introduce risk. If he misses time, fantasy value drops sharply. -
Yardage Ceiling
Outside of a few breakout games, Montgomery rarely posts very high rushing yard totals. Many fantasy managers will want more consistent 100+ yard games, which may not always be in the cards.
2025 Projections & Ranking
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In 2024, when healthy, Montgomery averaged around 14.6 fantasy points per game in half-PPR formats.
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Fantasy outlets generally place him in the RB2 range in 2025––good value, but not elite RB1. He provides safe floor when game script and health are favorable.
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In PPR leagues, Montgomery’s modest receiving work makes him less valuable compared to backs more involved in passing plays. But his touchdown upside and role near the goal line give him a boost.
Fantasy Start / Sit Advice
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Start him when:
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He is fully healthy.
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Lions are playing a run-friendly defensive opponent.
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Gibbs misses time or is limited.
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You need a TD chance in close matchups or playoff weeks.
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Sit him when:
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He has lingering injury designation.
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Lions are facing a stout run defense.
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Game script likely to favor passing (e.g. large deficit early).
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Summary & Verdict
David Montgomery remains a reliable RB option for both the Detroit Lions and fantasy football managers. His recent 151-yard, 2-TD game vs. Baltimore shows he still has big potential, especially in favorable matchups and when healthy. The Lions have committed to him financially, locking him up through 2027 with a solid guaranteed portion, which shows confidence in his abilities.
That said, fantasy managers should moderate expectations: his share of touches may not always reach elite levels, especially with Gibbs in the mix, and injury risk is real as he ages and with his usage in physically demanding situations.
