ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions had two key starters back in action to open the divisional-round week, while there is an offensive line injury to watch.
Running back David Montgomery (knee) and cornerback Terrion Arnold (foot) were listed as full participants. It’s worth noting the Lions held a walkthrough on Tuesday, so these are estimated designations.
Montgomery is expected back in action this week in his return from a three-game absence. It’s safe to say the Lions are excited to utilize the running back.
“It’ll mean a lot. No. 5’s a big part of us. He’s a huge part of us,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said. “He’s a bell cow. He’s a tone-setter. He’s a catalyst, so there’s a place for him. There’s a place for him here, so there’ll be a place for him in this game. So, it’s going to be good to get him back.”
Arnold was carted off during the team’s winner-take-all game. But every update regarding the rookie since that tough scene has been positive. He’s considered day-to-day with a foot contusion and appears on track to deliver on his post-game pledge to return.
On the other hand, starting offensive guard Kevin Zeitler (hamstring), along with cornerback Ennis Rakestraw (hamstring/illness) and defensive lineman Pat O’Connor (calf), were listed as non-participants.
Estimated practice report for the Lions. Walkthrough today. pic.twitter.com/gkC2DpqpMf
— Ben Raven (@BenjaminSRaven) January 14, 2025
Rakestraw had his 21-day return window opened last week. The rookie cornerback is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, not playing since November. O’Connor suffered an injury in the season finale, and Campbell has not sounded optimistic about his potential return.
Zeitler is the one to track, though. He went down with a hamstring injury in that win over the Minnesota Vikings. He remained on the sideline watching the game, and there hasn’t been much of an update on his status since, though.
“I mean, I just know everybody’s treatment has gone well, and we’ll see,” Campbell said when asked about Zeitler and Arnold on Monday.
When Graham Glasgow missed a game down the stretch, it was rookie Christian Mahogany to fill his place in the starting lineup. Mahogany and Kayode Awosika are the top options to replace Zeitler at right guard, if needed.
