Tag: Montgomery

Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Bengals hire two defensive assistants for DC Al Golden

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Cincinnati Bengals announced on Monday the hiring of Jerry Montgomery as defensive line coach/run game coordinator and Mike Hodges as linebackers coach.

They will work under defensive coordinator Al Golden, who joined head coach Zac Taylor’s staff last week.

Montgomery, 45, was the defensive line coach in 2024 for New England. The Patriots fired head coach Jerod Mayo after a 4-13 record in his lone season and replaced him with Mike Vrabel, who is hiring new staff.

A former player at Iowa and a college coach, Montgomery spent nine seasons with the Green Bay Packers as a defensive front assistant (2015-17), defensive line coach (2018-21) and defensive line coach/running game coordinator (2022-23).

Hodges, 38, spent the last eight years as a defensive assistant coach with the New Orleans Saints, coaching the linebackers from 2020-24. He played linebacker at Texas A&M and crossed paths with Taylor, who was a graduate assistant for the Aggies from 2008-11.

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) is introduced before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

Lions expect RB David Montgomery back for playoff run

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The Detroit Lions plan for running back David Montgomery to be back for their first playoff game in the NFC divisional round.

Asked Tuesday whether he expected Montgomery (knee) to be ready to play next week, normally fiery head coach Dan Campbell kept it short and said, “I do.”

Montgomery injured the MCL in his left knee in Week 15 during the Lions’ 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Originally thought to be a season-ending injury, Montgomery received other medical opinions and instead rehabbed his knee with an eye on a postseason return.

Montgomery, 27, rushed for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns with a 4.2 yards per carry average in 14 games this season, complementing lead rusher Jahmyr Gibbs (1,412 yards, 5.6 average, 16 TDs).

The Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings 31-9 in Week 18 to clinch not only the NFC North title but also the top seed in the conference, the first time the franchise has accomplished that.

That comes with a bye week that will give Montgomery even more time to recover. Detroit will host a game in the divisional round on Jan. 18 or 19.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs for yards before being tackled Detroit during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field in Detroit Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. Montgomery suffered an MCL injury to his right knee in the 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Report: Lions RB David Montgomery (knee) may suit up in playoffs

Posted on | by Field Level Media

There’s hope in Detroit that injured Lions running back David Montgomery, who suffered a torn MCL in his right knee on Sunday, could return in the postseason, ESPN reported Thursday.

Montgomery had been ruled out for the season on Monday and slated for surgery, but for now, he won’t be placed on injured reserve following a third medical opinion.

Per the report, the sixth-year running back “might have avoided season-ending surgery” after going down in Sunday’s 48-42 loss to the visiting Buffalo Bills.

On Wednesday, Lions coach Dan Campbell wasn’t ready to rule out Montgomery, who leads the team this season with 12 rushing touchdowns.

“It is one of these injuries that’s unique because you need to know is it stable? OK, is it fixed, or will it scar? And then be certainly stable for now and for later, and then you’ve got to rely on him, like, ‘Hey man, I’m good. I can do this,’” Campbell told reporters.

“So, it’s a combination certainly the doctors then him as well, where he thinks he can go with it and can he protect himself and play at a high level. So, we’re in a holding pattern, which as of right now is a positive.”

Montgomery, 27, has rushed for 775 yards in 14 games this season, forming a dynamic duo with Jahmyr Gibbs (1,047 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns).

Taking over for now as Detroit’s workhorse, Gibbs won’t change his outlook or game plan while preparing for Sunday’s game against the rival Bears in Chicago.

“Basically, the same, it’s nothing different,” the 22-year-old second-year running back said. “I’ve been doing this my whole life, so I don’t look at it any differently.”

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) celebrates a touchdown against Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.

Lions sign RB David Montgomery to extension through 2027

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The Detroit Lions announced Saturday night that they have agreed to a two-year extension with running back David Montgomery through the 2027 season.

According to ESPN, the deal is worth $18.25 million.

Montgomery has rushed for 271 yards and four touchdowns in four games (all starts) this season, his second with Detroit. He also has nine receptions for 94 yards.

Last season, Montgomery rushed for 1,015 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns in 14 games (all starts). He added 16 receptions for 117 yards.

Montgomery, 27, spent his first four seasons with the Chicago Bears. He gained more than 800 yards on the ground in each season, highlighted by a career-best 1,070 in 2020.

Montgomery has rushed for 4,895 yards and 43 touchdowns and has caught 180 passes for 1,451 yards and four scores in 78 career games (69 starts).

He joined the Lions as a free agent following the 2022 season, signing a three-year, $18 million deal.

Detroit (3-1) visits the Dallas Cowboys (3-2) on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) runs against Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023.

Lions thinned at RB, confident ‘someone will step up’

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Starter David Montgomery missed practice for the Detroit Lions on Thursday, leaving the team hopeful rookie Jahmyr Gibbs can return from a hamstring injury for Sunday’s game at Baltimore.

Gibbs was limited at Thursday’s practice and did not play in the last two games, including what looks like a costly win over the Buccaneers last week.

Craig Reynolds stepped into a bigger role last week after Montgomery left Detroit’s victory with a rib injury. Campbell said earlier this week Montgomery could be out multiple games.

Reynolds rushed for 15 yards on 10 carries at Tampa Bay but was limited Thursday with toe and hamstring injuries. He did not practice Wednesday.

Gibbs is “trending the right direction,” head coach Dan Campbell said. A first-round pick, Gibbs didn’t play in the Lions’ wins over the Carolina Panthers or Buccaneers.

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said the loss of Montgomery is significant for an offense that had identified him as the featured back, but believes the Lions have the depth to hold up.

“He was a bell cow for us,” Johnson said. “But like we’ve had so often already this year in the receiver room and the O-line room, someone will step up and rise to the occasion, there’s no doubt about it.”

The Lions already were without backup running back Zonovan Knight, who was placed on injured reserve with a torn labrum.

–Field Level Media

Lions receiver Jameson Williams celebrates with running back David Montgomery (5) after Montgomery's touchdown against the Panthers during the first half Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, at Ford Field.

Lions RB David Montgomery to miss time with rib injury

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Lions running back David Montgomery is dealing with a rib injury that will sideline him for an undetermined period of time, Detroit head coach Dan Campbell said Monday.

The Lions are still assessing Montgomery’s health picture and options for replacing him while moving ahead into Week 7 with a 5-1 record.

It’s possible Montgomery won’t play until Week 10, which would allow the Lions to rest him through the team’s bye the week prior.

Campbell said first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs could be one such option for this week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. Gibbs was inactive the past two weeks with a hamstring injury. He was out for the Week 6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when the Lions lost Montgomery and turned to Craig Reynolds and Devine Ozigbo.

“I feel a lot better about Gibbs this week,” Campbell said Monday, adding he’s “trending the right way” to face the Ravens.

Campbell added that rookie safety Brian Branch (ankle) “looked really good” on Monday and could be active at Baltimore.

–Field Level Media

Oct 15, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) reacts after he tackles Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Lions RB David Montgomery (rib) exits vs. Buccaneers

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Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery departed Sunday’s game against the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a rib injury.

Montgomery was injured midway during the second quarter. He ultimately walked off the field on his own power.

Montgomery had 14 yards on six carries before exiting. He leads the Lions with 385 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

Earlier this season, Montgomery missed a Week 3 game against the Atlanta Falcons due to a thigh injury.

Montgomery’s backup, first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring), missed his second straight game.

Craig Reynolds received most of the ball-carrying chores against Tampa Bay and finished with 15 yards on 10 carries. Detroit had just 40 rushing yards on 22 attempts.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) hands the ball to running back David Montgomery (5) against Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023.

Report: Lions RB David Montgomery to play vs. Packers

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Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery and left tackle Taylor Decker are expected to play in Thursday’s game against the host Green Bay Packers, NFL Network reported.

Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley (knee, hamstring) is not expected to play versus the Packers (2-1), per the report. All three players were listed as questionable on Wednesday for the showdown between the NFC North rivals.

NFL Network reported that Green Bay running back Aaron Jones and wide receiver Christian Watson are expected to play versus Detroit (2-1). Both players were listed as questionable on Wednesday with hamstring injuries, though Watson said he plans to make his season debut this week.

Montgomery, 26, sat out the Lions’ 20-6 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday with a thigh injury. Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs rushed 17 times for 80 yards in his absence.

Montgomery has 37 carries for 141 yards and two touchdowns in two games this season.

Decker, 30, has missed the last two games due to an ankle injury.

Jones, 28, sustained his injury at the end of his 35-yard touchdown catch-and-run in Green Bay’s 38-20 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sept. 10. He sat out the Packers’ 25-24 loss to the Falcons the following week and 18-17 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

Watson, 24, hasn’t played this season due to a hamstring injury. He recorded 41 catches for 611 yards and seven touchdowns in 14 games (11 starts) as a rookie in 2022.

–Field Level Media

Sep 10, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) runs for a touchdown during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike De Sisti-USA TODAY Sports

Packers RB Aaron Jones questionable to face Lions

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Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones turned in his third straight limited practice on Wednesday and is listed as questionable to play versus the visiting Detroit Lions on Thursday.

Jones suffered a hamstring injury at the end of his 35-yard touchdown catch-and-run in Green Bay’s 38-20 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sept. 10. He sat out the Packers’ 25-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons the following week and 18-17 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

Wide receiver Christian Watson recorded his second consecutive limited practice session on Wednesday and is questionable to face the Lions (2-1). He has yet to make his season debut while dealing with a hamstring injury.

Jaire Alexander (back) was limited for the second straight practice on Wednesday. He joins fellow cornerback Carrington Valentine (biceps) and offensive lineman Zach Tom (knee) as questionable.

Green Bay offensive tackle David Bakhtiari (knee), guard Elgton Jenkins (knee), linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (ankle) and safety Zayne Anderson (hamstring) did not practice at all this week and were ruled out against Detroit.

The Lions listed running back David Montgomery (thigh), tackle Taylor Decker (ankle), guard Jonah Jackson (thigh), safety Kerby Joseph (hip) and defensive back Emmanuel Moseley (knee/hamstring) as questionable to face Green Bay (2-1). Those five players were estimated as limited participants in Wednesday’s practice.

Offensive tackle Matt Nelson (ankle), fullback Jason Cabinda (knee) and guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai (knee) were ruled out for Thursday’s game.

–Field Level Media

Jul 27, 2022; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver James Washington (83) carries the ball during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Colts sign former Steelers, Cowboys WR James Washington

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The Indianapolis Colts signed veteran wide receiver James Washington to a free-agent contract on Friday, three days after he was released by the New Orleans Saints.

In a related move, the Colts waived wideout Malik Turner, who has an undisclosed injury. The five-year veteran would revert to the team’s injured reserve list if unclaimed off waivers.

Washington, who has played five NFL seasons, joins his fourth organization since the start of the calendar year. After playing the 2022 season with Dallas following four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was cut by the Cowboys in the week leading up to Week 18.

The Steelers’ second-round pick in 2018 was scooped up one week later by the New York Giants ahead of the playoffs, but Washington did not appear in New York’s two postseason games.

After being cut in late January, Washington signed with New Orleans in May before being cut this week.

In five previous seasons, Washington owns 114 receptions for 1,629 yards and 11 touchdown catches across 62 games (25 starts). His best season came in his second with the Steelers in 2019, when he posted 44 catches for 735 yards and three TDs.

He played in just two games for Dallas in 2022 without a catch.

The Colts added another wideout on Friday, signing D.J. Montgomery. His only NFL action came with the New York Jets in 2021 when he caught three passes for 36 yards in three games.

The team also placed defensive end Genard Avery on IR after he suffered a season-ending knee injury in a joint practice with the Chicago Bears on Wednesday.

–Field Level Media