As the Detroit Lions make their push for the playoffs in the 2025 season, injuries have become a key talking point for fans and analysts alike. While the Lions have shown impressive form, maintaining their competitiveness in a tightly packed NFC, the health of some key players will play a significant role in determining their success. Three of the most discussed names on the injury report as of late are running back David Montgomery, guard Kevin Zeitler, and rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold. All three bring something crucial to the table, and the team’s performance in the coming weeks could very well depend on how well they recover.
### **David Montgomery: The Heart of the Lions’ Running Game**
David Montgomery’s injury has been a major storyline for the Lions, especially given his importance to their offensive identity. The former Chicago Bears running back signed with the Lions during the 2024 offseason and quickly became a centerpiece of Detroit’s ground attack. With his physical style of running, Montgomery not only provides crucial yards on the ground but also serves as a valuable tool in the Lions’ short-yardage and goal-line situations. However, Montgomery’s recent injury has raised concerns over the Lions’ running game as they approach the crucial stretch of the season.
#### **Injury Update:**
Montgomery suffered a rib injury in Week 12 against the Green Bay Packers, and while he has been able to return to practice in a limited capacity, the team has been cautious about rushing him back into action. The rib injury initially left his status uncertain for several games, but the latest reports indicate that Montgomery is progressing well and could return in the coming weeks, potentially for a key divisional matchup.
While the team has yet to confirm an exact timeline for his return, there is optimism around Montgomery’s recovery. His ability to take contact has been a key concern, but reports suggest that the Lions’ medical staff is confident in his ability to play through the injury with the proper management.
#### **Impact on the Team:**
Montgomery’s absence was felt during the weeks he missed, particularly in Detroit’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, where the running game was unable to establish a rhythm. While rookie Jahmyr Gibbs has impressed in his role as the primary ball carrier, Montgomery’s leadership, toughness, and ability to grind out tough yards are irreplaceable. The Lions will need him back to complement Gibbs’ speed and versatility, especially if they’re looking to make a deep playoff run.
It’s also important to note that Montgomery is more than just a running back; he’s a vocal leader in the locker room. His presence helps stabilize the offense, giving quarterback Jared Goff a reliable option in the backfield and in pass protection. Whether Montgomery returns as the primary back or shares carries with Gibbs, his return will provide a boost to Detroit’s offensive balance.
### **Kevin Zeitler: The Anchor of the Offensive Line**
In a league where offensive line play is often overlooked, Kevin Zeitler’s role as one of the most reliable guards in the NFL cannot be overstated. The Lions’ offensive line has been one of the team’s strongest units in recent years, and Zeitler’s experience and stability have been key factors in maintaining that success. However, a recent knee injury has forced the veteran guard to miss some time, throwing a wrench into an otherwise smooth-running offensive line.
#### **Injury Update:**
Zeitler injured his knee during a Week 13 game against the Chicago Bears. The nature of the injury has not been fully disclosed, but the Lions have been cautious in their approach to his rehabilitation. Zeitler did not practice during the early part of the week following the Bears game, and his status for the next few contests remains up in the air.
As of the latest reports, Zeitler has made progress and has begun working on the field with the team’s training staff. While it remains unclear whether he’ll be ready for the Lions’ upcoming game, Zeitler’s leadership and knowledge of the game make him an irreplaceable asset for Detroit. Given the importance of the team’s offensive line play — particularly in the run game and in protecting Jared Goff — the Lions will be eager to get Zeitler back on the field as soon as possible.
#### **Impact on the Team:**
If Zeitler misses significant time, the Lions will face a substantial challenge on the offensive line. The depth of the offensive line has been solid, with players like Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Graham Glasgow filling in, but there’s no question that Zeitler is the anchor of the unit. His ability to dominate in the trenches and open up running lanes for Montgomery and Gibbs has been vital to Detroit’s offensive success.
Without Zeitler, the Lions might have to rely more on their passing game to move the ball, something that could put additional pressure on Goff and the wide receivers. Additionally, the run blocking would likely suffer, making the team more one-dimensional, which is not ideal for an offense that thrives on balance. Zeitler’s return will be a critical factor in ensuring the Lions can maintain their offensive potency moving forward.
### **Terrion Arnold: Rookie Cornerback with Big Potential**
The Lions’ secondary has been an area of strength for the team this season, and much of that success has been thanks to the emergence of rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold. The Alabama product was drafted in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft and quickly made an impact, contributing to Detroit’s solid pass defense. However, like many rookies, Arnold has had to contend with the challenges of staying healthy through his first NFL season, and a recent injury has put a damper on his rise.
#### **Injury Update:**
Arnold sustained a shoulder injury during a Week 14 game against the Arizona Cardinals, which caused him to miss the following week’s contest against the New York Giants. Early reports suggested that Arnold would be sidelined for a few weeks, but more recent updates have indicated that the rookie cornerback is making good progress. Although he remains listed as day-to-day, there is hope that Arnold could return sooner rather than later, possibly in time for a pivotal game in the Lions’ quest for a playoff berth.
The Lions are expected to proceed cautiously with Arnold’s recovery, as the shoulder injury could be more complicated than initially thought. While he is not expected to need surgery, the team is taking every precaution to ensure that he doesn’t risk further injury down the line.
#### **Impact on the Team:**
Arnold’s injury has been a blow to a Lions secondary that has been one of the most underrated in the league this season. The rookie corner has provided valuable depth and has played a key role in Detroit’s ability to cover top receivers. Without him, the Lions have relied on veterans like Cameron Sutton and Jerry Jacobs to carry the load.
However, Arnold’s potential as a shutdown corner and his ability to contribute in both man and zone coverage has made him a key piece in the defense’s success. If Arnold is able to return to form quickly, his presence could give the Lions’ secondary the boost it needs to defend against the high-powered passing offenses they will face in the postseason. His ability to cover big-bodied wide receivers and provide physicality at the line of scrimmage could be crucial as the competition ramps up.
### **Conclusion:**
The injury updates surrounding David Montgomery, Kevin Zeitler, and Terrion Arnold are certainly concerning, but they are not necessarily catastrophic for the Detroit Lions. Each of these players brings a unique skill set to the table, and their health moving forward will be critical to the team’s playoff aspirations.
Montgomery’s return will strengthen the running game, Zeitler’s presence will solidify the offensive line, and Arnold’s potential return will help shore up a secondary that has been key to the team’s success. The Lions are clearly a team on the rise, and as they work through these injury concerns, their playoff run will largely hinge on the health of these crucial players.
For Lions fans, the hope is that with some good fortune on the injury front, the team can remain in the hunt for a deep postseason run and perhaps even capture their first Super Bowl title in decades. The return of Montgomery, Zeitler, and Arnold would be a huge step in the right direction.