David Montgomery stirs trade speculation with cryptic social media activity amid Lions’ rushing struggles
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery has recently sparked curiosity among fans with his intriguing social media interactions. A post shared early Tuesday morning, showcasing his uniform hanging in the Lions’ locker room, quickly gained traction, leading many to speculate about potential dissatisfaction from the veteran player.
Fan Reactions Fuel Speculation
The 28-year-old further fueled the fire when he liked a comment on one of his Instagram posts. The comment, from a supporter, read, “I love you bro, but you should request a trade. The way they’re treating you and glazing Gibbs is atrocious. Look what happens when we don’t use you. We lose.” This sentiment reflects the growing frustration among fans regarding Montgomery’s treatment as his teammate Jahmyr Gibbs has been receiving the bulk of the carries and targets, leaving Montgomery feeling sidelined.
A Frustrating Performance Against Pittsburgh
Detroit’s rushing attack has been under scrutiny following a dismal outing against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where the Lions managed a mere 15 total rushing yards. This marked one of the team’s lowest rushing performances in recent decades, raising alarms within the organization. Head coach Dan Campbell addressed the team’s struggles, stating, “There were a couple of them that were, schematically didn’t give our guys a chance there. One of them, they run it down backside, can’t get away from that one. And then it was our execution, and we just kind of took our turns with how that went.”
Campbell emphasized that a successful run game requires a collective effort, saying, “It takes all 11 guys to get the run game going. Everybody’s got to be on par.” He acknowledged that a mix of miscommunications and incorrect reads contributed to the team’s lack of success on the ground, leaving many to wonder about the future of the rushing game and Montgomery’s role in it.
Concerns for Montgomery’s Future
With Gibbs in line for a long-term contract extension and general manager Brad Holmes keen on retaining star players, Montgomery may be realizing that his time with the Lions could be limited. In a crucial matchup critical for playoff aspirations, Montgomery saw the field for just 13 snaps, accounting for only 18% of offensive plays. This lack of involvement, combined with the struggles of a young offensive line, has resulted in Montgomery facing career lows in both rushing yards and total carries.
As the season dwindles down, the notion that Montgomery could be donning a different uniform in his next games grows more likely. The culture within the Lions’ locker room is being put to the test during this challenging week, as questions remain regarding the team’s direction and the roles of its players moving forward.
