The Detroit Lions ’ hopes that David Montgomery could return from a knee injury originally thought to require season-ending surgery got a boost Thursday as the running back reportedly received a medical opinion allowing him to rehab the knee instead.

After #Lions RB David Montgomery spent the last few days consulting with medical experts, sources are now optimistic that the star avoided the season-ending surgery that was initially feared. Montgomery will rehab with the hope that he can return at some point this postseason. pic.twitter.com/epN40XUoPy

The Detroit Lions have gotten hit hard by the injury bug in recent weeks, with one guy who seemed set to miss the rest of the season being star running back David Montgomery. However, it turns out Montgomery could actually return this season, which drew an interesting reaction from head coach Dan Campbell.

He eventually limped off after staying in to block on a fourth-down conversion on Detroit's second touchdown drive. Montgomery returned and had five touches in the second half, but primarily sat in favor of fellow starting running back Jahmyr Gibbs.

The Detroit Lions placed Alim McNeill, Carlton Davis III and Khalil Dorsey on IR Tuesday, two days after they left the Bills game with injuries.

According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Lions running back David Montgomery is eyeing a return in the divisional round of the playoffs. “He now is going to rehab with a realistic goal of being back for the divisional round of the playoffs,

The Detroit Lions have battled through adversity all season, with injuries sidelining several of their key players. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who appeared on NFL GameDay this morning, the Lions are set to receive a significant boost heading into the playoffs.