Losing David Montgomery for a while is a significant blow for the Detroit Lions, as he’s been one of the emotional and physical leaders of this team.
The silver lining, beyond the expectation that Montgomery will return this season, is that the Lions now have an opportunity to showcase their depth at running back.
We already know Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the league’s most dynamic backs, but this situation opens the door for Craig Reynolds to take on a larger role, and rookie Sione Vaki could finally make his debut.
However, one pressing question for us at A to Z Detroit is whether we’ll see Jermar Jefferson this year.
Jefferson is the ultimate team player. For those who don’t closely follow the Lions, it might come as a surprise that he’s been with the team throughout Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell’s tenure.
Selected in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Jefferson was nearly one of the last picks, with only two players chosen after him.
In his rookie season, Jefferson appeared in 70 games but only carried the ball 15 times. His standout moment came against the Steelers, where he rushed for 41 yards and a touchdown.
He had just 10 more rushing attempts that year and hasn’t played in a regular-season game since the Lions’ win over the Cardinals in December 2021.
Despite limited opportunities, Jefferson has managed to stay with the Lions, often finding his way back to the roster after being waived.
This summer seemed like it could have been his chance to break through, especially after head coach Dan Campbell praised him during training camp.
“I almost don’t want to answer it because I feel like it’s the kiss of death,” Campbell said.
“But Jefferson is in a really good place right now. A really good place. Really good place.”
That sentiment was echoed throughout the summer, but Jefferson faced an uphill battle.
The Lions already boast one of the best running back duos in the league, a trusted backup, and a rookie they traded up for.
When the Lions waived Jefferson at the end of camp, no other team claimed him, allowing Detroit to keep him in the fold.
Now, with Montgomery sidelined, could Jefferson finally get a chance, even if it’s just a practice squad elevation?
He might not see the field, but could he at least suit up for a game? Time will tell. At the very least, we think Jefferson has earned a carry or two.
