In a clash between what could’ve been and what still might be, the 49ers (6-9) host the Lions (13-2) under the bright lights of Monday Night Football. San Francisco limps into Week 17, weighed down by a season that spiraled into chaos. The playoffs? Not happening. For the Lions, though, it’s all about the top seed, history, and proving they’re the team to beat.
The stakes feel uneven. One team’s hanging on for pride, the other’s chasing a parade in February. Injuries have hit both squads, but only one of them has a shot to turn setbacks into momentum. But even the league’s best aren’t invincible. Injuries have tested their depth, resolve, and ambition. And what about David Montgomery? Is the Lions’ star running back suiting up? Let’s find out.
Will David Montgomery play against the San Francisco 49ers tonight? (Dec 30)
No, David Montgomery will not take the field against the San Francisco 49ers tonight. The Lions’ star running back suffered a torn MCL during their Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills on December 16. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Montgomery’s injury required season-ending surgery, confirmed by head coach Dan Campbell. This is his second consecutive missed game, and he is officially sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Montgomery continued to play through the injury during the game. He returned to action after initially limping off in the second quarter. His last snap came with 10:34 remaining in the fourth quarter. Speaking about Montgomery’s resilience, Campbell said:
“David’s so tough, man. He continued to play through and then got it checked out today and realized that’s what it was. He’s just the ultimate teammate, the ultimate competitor. We’re gonna miss him, man. He’s another one of these guys that got us to this position, helped get us to where we’re at. The rest of us, we owe him to keep going and make sure that wasn’t in vain.”
How did Montgomery’s injury impact the Lions’ season?
Montgomery’s injury hurts. The Lions had a rhythm—Montgomery for power and consistency, Gibbs for speed and explosiveness. They called them “Sonic and Knuckles.” Now, Gibbs carries the backfield alone, and while he’s performed, the offense isn’t the same.
Montgomery’s absence came at the worst time. Detroit is 13-2, aiming for home-field advantage in the playoffs. Losing a key player like him in crunch time adds pressure on Gibbs and the coaching staff to adapt. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said the plan is to spread the load among Reynolds, Vaki, and others. But everyone knows the bulk of the work falls on Gibbs.
Montgomery’s two-year extension back in October showed how integral he was to Detroit’s future plans. Now, fans won’t see the duo of Gibbs and Montgomery again until 2025.
Watch the Lions vs. 49ers game tonight
- Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
- Date: Monday, December 30, 2024
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- TV Channels: ESPN | ABC
- Live Stream: ESPN+ | Fubo
This matchup is about pride for San Francisco and making history for Detroit. The Lions can match their franchise record of 14 wins with a victory tonight. They’ve also got a shot to go 8-0 on the road, a first in team history. Injuries or not, Detroit wants this win. It’s about momentum, right now, heading into the playoffs.