Can David Montgomery Dominate in Return, Major Eagles Change Coming? | MAILBAG

Help is on the way for the Detroit Lions, the Eagles could be looking for an upgrade, and much more

Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This is one of the best weeks on the NFL calendar.

The coaching carousel is spinning full-speed ahead, The NFL Divisional round marks the final weekend we’ll have two days’ worth of playoff action, and there are some tremendous games on tap, and before we all know it, free agency will be getting underway with NFL Draft season not far behind.

*** Before we get to this week’s questions, a MAJOR Between The Hashmarks Announcement! ***

We Are … heading to the Senior Bowl!

That’s right, I’ll be on the ground in Mobile, Ala. covering Senior Bowl practice week for the third time in my career, while also sleuthing the various dive bars, cigar bars, and other dispensatories and such along the Alabama coast reconnecting with and building new sources while on the prowl for the latest nuggets of information as free agency and the NFL Draft barrel towards us at full speed ahead.

I can’t wait.

This is one of my favorite events of the offseason, and you can expect in-depth practice diaries with photos and videos from each workout, my takeaways, the standout stars from each practice, plays of the day, etc. Friend, colleague, mentor, and podcast partner,

Mike Tanier

and I will be hosting the podcast from Mobile and there might even be some live videos along the way.

Can. Not. Wait.

This is, though, the first offseason trip that I will be self-funding, and Between The Hashmarks is completely independent and reader-funded NFL journalism. If you are already a paid subscriber, I simply cannot put into words how grateful I am for your continued support. Without you and contributions from readers like you, none of this would be possible.

Likewise, if you have been on the fence about becoming a paid subscriber, this is the perfect time to consider upgrading to paid, to help fund this trip and any other off-season travel that might be in the works.

Thanks to everyone, if you’re here and you’re reading this, please realize you are appreciated.

Now, onto your questions!

David Montgomery will have an impact on Lions vs. Commanders, true or false? (drbradleytaylor on Threads)

The Lions officially activated David Montgomery clearing the path for his return in Saturday’s NFC Divisional showdown against the Commanders, but, honestly, his impact at this point is anyone’s guess.

Not only has Jahmyr Gibbs emerged as an electrifying and versatile playmaker—both as a runner and elusive pass-catcher out of the backfield, rushing for 365 yards and five touchdowns over the final three games of the season when Montgomery was out but there is also the question of just how fully healthy and up to game-speed the veteran back is going to be.

If Montgomery’s knee is healed enough for him to be effective after declining season-ending surgery to repair his MCL, one defensive coach who faced the Lions this season tells me that a healthy Montgomery expands Johnson’s playbook.

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