Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell finally addressed one of the biggest talking points surrounding the team’s offense — the noticeable decrease in David Montgomery’s usage in recent games. As the Lions push to stay alive in a tight playoff race, fans have been vocal about why one of the team’s most physical and dependable weapons has seen fewer touches.
Speaking to reporters, Campbell made it clear that the decision wasn’t about a loss of trust in Montgomery. Instead, he pointed to game flow, situational football, and the evolving nature of the Lions’ offensive approach. According to Campbell, certain matchups and in-game circumstances have naturally leaned the offense toward Jahmyr Gibbs, particularly in space and passing situations.
Montgomery, who has been a tone-setter for Detroit since arriving, remains a major part of the team’s identity. Campbell emphasized that the veteran running back’s impact goes far beyond the box score — from pass protection to setting a physical edge early in games. The reduced touches, he said, are not a reflection of performance, but rather how defenses have been aligning and how games have unfolded.
Still, Campbell acknowledged the concern and didn’t shy away from calling recent offensive balance a learning point. He admitted that the coaching staff continues to evaluate how to best deploy both Montgomery and Gibbs, especially in critical moments where ball control and physicality matter most.
With the season reaching a must-win stage, Campbell hinted that adjustments are coming. The Lions want to keep defenses guessing, and that means ensuring Montgomery remains a threat teams must account for. As Detroit looks to regain consistency, finding the right balance between their two dynamic backs could be a deciding factor in whether their playoff hopes stay alive.
One thing is clear — David Montgomery hasn’t been forgotten, and Dan Campbell isn’t panicking. But with every game carrying postseason weight, how the Lions use their backfield moving forward will be under the microscope.
Inside the Lions’ RB Shift: Dan Campbell Explains Montgomery’s Decreased Workload
