Sonic will have to finish the 2024 NFL season without Knuckles.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has ordered star running back David Montgomery to remain out until the end of the season to repair the torn MCL he sustained in Sunday's 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills. It was announced that he would need surgery.
So for now, only Jahmil Gibbs will appear, with Craig Reynolds likely filling in the rest.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery runs into the end zone for a touchdown during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. (Ron Howedel Iman Images)
It was initially reported that Montgomery would be sidelined indefinitely with the injury, but the possibility of his return at some point this season remained up in the air.
“I'm going to miss him,” Campbell said.
With Montgomery sidelined, Campbell gives the Lions another key player who will no longer be able to thwart their chances of reaching the Super Bowl. In fact, they lost even more key roster members in this game.
NFL great criticizes Lions' Dan Campbell for aggressive onside kick decision in loss to Bills
Detroit's injuries include stud defensive tackle Alim McNeil (torn ACL), cornerback Carlton Davis (fractured jaw), acquired in a trade to strengthen the secondary before the NFL deadline, and cornerback Khalil Dorsey. (ankle fracture), and both of them joined the team. Lost to Buffalo.
At least Davis has a chance to return this season and could play in the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 26, according to NFL Network.
The Lions have 22 players on injured reserve, including star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who broke his foot earlier this season.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff hands running back David Montgomery during the Buffalo Bills game at Ford Field. (David Rezinek Imagine Images)
Other players who will be sidelined this year include DE Marcus Davenport (triceps), LB Derrick Barnes (PCL, MCL), LB Malcolm Rodriguez (ACL) and DT Kyle Peco (pectoral muscle).
NFL teams follow a next-man-up mentality every season, knowing they risk injury every time they step on the field. However, the Lions were in a tough spot and were hoping that Campbell and the rest of the team could lead to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.
They had a close game last season, but lost the lead at halftime to the San Francisco 49ers and ultimately lost in the NFC Championship Game. But the Lions tried again, bringing back many of the same players and also filling holes on the roster.
Of course, with three games remaining, they are 12-2 this year and hold the No. 1 seed. They earned a playoff spot and a chance to play in the “big game.”
Lions running back David Montgomery goes down after a game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at Ford Field in Detroit. (Imagination)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
But Campbell will have to hope to rally the troops once again and stay healthy for the rest of the season's journey.
Follow sports coverage on Fox News Digital's X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
