Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery's ribs X-rays negative: Not 'some long-term issue'
TAMPA, Fla. — Two straight weeks of carrying the Detroit Lions offense may have finally caught up with David Montgomery.
Montgomery, who had 51 carries for 230 yards in wins over the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers, left Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a rib injury.
Lions coach Dan Campbell said initial X-rays on Montgomery's ribs were negative, but the Lions running back is scheduled to undergo more tests Monday.
"I’d like to say I don’t think it’ll be some long-term issue, but I won’t know until tomorrow for sure," Campbell said after the game.
Montgomery left in Sunday's first half when he was tackled from behind by two Bucs defenders after a 19-yard gain on a screen pass. He got up with the assistance of trainers and walked gingerly to the sideline before heading to the locker room for X-rays.
Montgomery missed the Lions' Week 3 win over the Atlanta Falcons with a thigh bruise, but was the catalyst of back-to-back wins over the Packers and Panthers. He carried 32 times for 121 yards and three touchdowns in a win over the Packers, and followed that performance up with a 19-carry, 109-yard game in a win over the Panthers.
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On Sunday, Montgomery had six carries for 14 yards before his injury.
The Lions played their second straight game Sunday without rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who strained a hamstring in practice Oct. 6. Gibbs has not practiced since his injury, but could return for next week's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Gibbs played as the Lions' No. 1 running back when Montgomery was sidelined against the Falcons and had 17 carries for 80 yards.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery (ribs) gets good news on X-rays
