By Moses Joshua 
Lions coach acknowledges the imbalance in the backfield — and hints at adjustments as Detroit pushes toward the postseason
As the Detroit Lions navigate a season defined by urgency and adjustment, one subplot has grown louder with each passing week: the reduced role of running back David Montgomery. Head coach Dan Campbell isn’t ignoring it — in fact, he’s been wrestling with it.
Montgomery’s usage dipped again in Detroit’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and the numbers told a story that didn’t sit well with anyone inside the building. Campbell addressed the situation this week, offering clarity, accountability, and a glimpse into how the Lions may recalibrate their backfield moving forward.
A Telling Snapshot From the Rams Loss
At halftime against Los Angeles, the Lions’ two-headed backfield looked evenly balanced. Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs each had six carries. Montgomery was clearly the more efficient runner, turning his touches into 31 yards at 5.2 yards per carry. Gibbs, meanwhile, managed 19 yards on his six attempts.
Then came the second half — and the imbalance.
Montgomery touched the ball just once more, a 1-yard touchdown plunge on a direct snap. Gibbs handled seven additional carries, gaining another 19 yards at a less efficient clip. Game flow certainly played a role, as Detroit quickly fell behind and leaned into a more explosive offensive approach, but the pattern mirrored a larger trend from the 2025 season.
Compared to last year, Montgomery is averaging fewer carries, fewer rushing yards, and fewer receptions per game. He also hasn’t been the opening-series back once this season — a stark contrast from 2024, when he frequently set the tone early.
Campbell Praises Montgomery’s Professionalism
When asked about the shift, Campbell didn’t dodge the reality — and he didn’t gloss over the human side of it, either.
“David is a pro. David’s a pro. He goes about his business, he handles it,” Campbell said. “I know that’s not easy. That’s not easy. You’re a guy who–he’s a damn good back. Every good player wants their chance to help the team win and get some production, so I know it can’t be easy. I know it’s not easy, but he’s a pro. He handles his business and goes about it, and whenever you call his number, he’s ready to go.”
That trust still matters. Montgomery hasn’t complained publicly, hasn’t disengaged, and hasn’t changed how he prepares — even as his opportunities have shrunk.
Why Montgomery Still Matters to This Offense
Campbell made it clear that the Lions are at their best when Montgomery is involved.
“It’s something I think about a lot, is how do we get them all involved? He’s one of those, when they’re all involved, we’re just better. We’re a better offense,” Campbell said.
Detroit’s offense has evolved in 2025, with Gibbs taking on a larger share of the workload and the team adjusting to injuries elsewhere — particularly at tight end. Two-back sets have become more common as a result, and Campbell hinted that those formations could be one path to getting Montgomery back into a rhythm.
But he didn’t stop there.
A Potential Change in Backfield Philosophy
Traditionally, the Lions have rotated running backs by series — one back per drive. Campbell acknowledged that approach may be too rigid.
“It’s one of thing to bring him (Montgomery) in, but maybe before that, do we start tagging some things for him to get him involved early in Jah’s series, and get Jah a breather,” Campbell said.
That small tweak could have a big impact. Integrating Montgomery within Gibbs-led drives would keep defenses guessing, preserve Gibbs’ explosiveness, and ensure Montgomery remains a consistent part of the offense rather than a situational option.
The Bottom Line
The Lions have three games left, and there’s no margin for error. While the backfield hierarchy has shifted, Montgomery hasn’t been forgotten — and Dan Campbell knows it.
Whether through two-back sets, shared drives, or situational adjustments, Detroit appears poised to reintroduce Montgomery in a more meaningful way. And if the Lions are going to make a late push, history suggests they’ll need all parts of their offense firing — especially a running back who has already proven he can deliver when his number is called.