​The Detroit Lions are gearing up for the 2026 season as training camp opens on July 25, and in the meantime, we’re taking a look back at the dramatic moments from the 2024 season through the lens of the Top 10 Injury News, updated with present-day context. Here are spots five and six from the 2024 Revisited: Lions Top 10 Injury News with Present Updates.
December 15, 2024 marked a turning point when the Lions announced that their No. 1 cornerback would miss the remainder of the season after an unusual jaw fracture. The abrupt loss left Detroit shorthanded in the secondary, testing the coaching staff’s depth and strategic adjustments in real time. Following the season, Davis signed with the New England Patriots, a move that opened the door for DJ Reed to step in and fill the void. Reed, who had missed six games earlier with a hamstring issue, ultimately secured the No. 8 spot for the 2025 season, providing a steadier presence on the perimeter for Detroit.
Also on December 15, 2024, Knuckles initially appeared to be sidelined for the year, but he made a remarkable recovery in time for the Lions’ playoff push. Looking ahead to 2025, Knuckles looked fully recovered, showing notable speed, burst, and quickness. Despite his renewed health, the distribution of carries changed significantly toward Jahmyr Gibbs, whose increased workload drew attention from coaches and fans alike. This shift contributed to Montgomery’s decision to seek a trade to the Texans during the 2026 offseason, as the Lions continued to evolve their backfield dynamic.
As a fan, watching Montgomery don a different jersey is tough, especially knowing his medical reports had remained favorable throughout his recovery. The Lions’ decisions in the backfield reflected a broader strategy to optimize talent around their evolving offense, even as players changed teams.
Be sure to stay connected for more Lions coverage. You can follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and like our Facebook page for updates. For real-time commentary, follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD. This article originally appeared on Lions Wire as part of the 2024 Throwback: Detroit Lions Top 10 Injury News, with a forward-looking angle on Davis and Montgomery for SEO purposes.