With just two games left, the NFC North is still up for grabs, and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-lions">Detroit Lions</a> are still dreaming of a playoff berth. Securing a win against the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day will be crucial, making the presence of Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery on offense potentially key to their success.



According to the official NFL website, both players were listed as questionable for the game at US Bank Stadium. However, according to the latest report from Ian Rapoport on X, all indications are that both St. Brown and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/david-montgomery">Montgomery</a> are expected to play.



It’s undoubtedly a huge boost for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jared-goff">Jared Goff</a> to have both players on the field, especially since a win is the only result that matters to keep Lions’ hopes alive for a Wild Card spot.



<h2>What injuries are affecting St. Brown and Montgomery?</h2>



St. Brown is dealing with knee irritation that limited his practice participation throughout the week, while Montgomery was a late addition to the injury report due to an illness. Although both stars are technically game-time decisions, recent reports suggest they are likely to play through their respective issues to help the Lions in this crucial divisional clash.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251225_BUS_551305_David-Montgomery-running-back-of-the-Detroit-Lions_47f604eb.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="David Montgomery, running back of the Detroit Lions" class="wp-image-249779" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>David Montgomery, running back of the Detroit Lions</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The impact of both players on the offense</h2>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/nfl-on-christmas-2025-which-quarterbacks-are-starting-today"></div>


Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery have been the offensive engines for the Lions this season, consistently delivering elite production. St. Brown has established himself as a premier target with 98 receptions for 1,194 yards and 11 touchdowns, maintaining an impressive 12.2 average per catch. Meanwhile, Montgomery has been a force on the ground, racking up 649 yards and 8 touchdowns on 140 carries, averaging a solid 4.6 yards per attempt.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251225_BUS_551305_Amon-Ra-St.-Brown_d9ba0ea0.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14)" class="wp-image-285147" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) </figcaption></figure>



<h2>The playoff dream</h2>



With a current record of eight wins and seven losses, the Detroit Lions are still in the hunt for a playoff spot in the NFC North. Ahead of their matchup against the Vikings, the <a href="https://www.nfl.com/standings/playoff-picture">official NFL website</a> lists their chances of securing a Wild Card at 6%, but a win could boost that to 9%. Is it enough? No. But the dream remains alive.

Are Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery playing for the Lions in Christmas Day game vs. Vikings?

Are Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery playing for the Lions in Christmas Day game vs. Vikings? - Bolavip US

miniaturas

There’s no doubt that the Detroit Lions delivered an exceptional season—not only in terms of performance, but also in the results they achieved. However, despite their efforts, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jared-goff">Jared Goff</a>’s team fell short of their ultimate goal, and the dream of reaching the Super Bowl was left unfulfilled. Could the upcoming NFL season finally be the one where they get it done?


 


That’s the goal most of the roster under head coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dan-campbell">Dan Campbell</a> is dreaming of. In fact, behind closed doors, many within the team admit that it’s no longer appealing to always come close without finishing the job—something <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/david-montgomery">David Montgomery</a> himself recently acknowledged.



During a recent conversation with the media, the talented running back—and one of the quarterback’s most trusted options—expressed his frustration with the situation and emphasized the importance of finishing what they’ve set out to achieve.



“Everybody’s tired of being close,” Montgomery said Sunday, per ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. “It’s cool to be close at first, but you don’t want to get comfortable with being close all the time. That’s not what you want to be known for, especially when you know you’ve got the guys, you’ve got on this team.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250720_BUS_444798_jared-goff-david-montgomery-1024x576_2b9eda97.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="David Montgomery RB Detroit Lions" class="wp-image-444843" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20165746/jared-goff-david-montgomery-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20165746/jared-goff-david-montgomery-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20165746/jared-goff-david-montgomery-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20165746/jared-goff-david-montgomery-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20165746/jared-goff-david-montgomery-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20165746/jared-goff-david-montgomery-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20165746/jared-goff-david-montgomery-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20165746/jared-goff-david-montgomery.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions hands off to David Montgomery #5 during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. </figcaption></figure>



He also added: “You want to finish it, so this is the year for us. The year of the reckoning and the year that we choose that we need to finish.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/lions-head-coach-dan-campbell-shares-concerning-injury-update-on-key-teammate-of-jared-goff"></div>


<h2>Montgomery’s message to his teammates</h2>



Matching last season’s performance—and even improving on those results—is clearly a top priority within the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-lions">Lions</a>’ locker room.



To that end, David Montgomery emphasized the importance of everyone pulling in the same direction and delivered a clear message to his teammates: they can count on him on every snap the offense takes, week in and week out.



“This is probably the hungriest that I have been because I feel like a lot of people kind of forget that I’m here in the offense, too,” the talented running back firmly stated.


 


“So, I’m not here to prove anybody wrong. I’m here to prove myself right and be the best teammate that I can be. … But I’ve definitely got a big chip on my shoulder.”


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="687d59af5d1077b5bc995c48" data-title="Who will claim the NFC North next season?" data-options="4"></div>

Jared Goff’s key weapon on the Lions makes strong self-criticism about Super Bowl run

Jared Goff’s net worth: How much money does the Detroit Lions quarterback own?

Why are Lions&#039; RBs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery called Sonic and Knuckles?

Jared Goff’s key weapon on the Lions makes strong self-criticism about Super Bowl run - Bolavip US

In the NFL, where rivalries and stories of triumph intertwine week after week, a duo has emerged that has captured the imagination of fans and experts alike: the Detroit Lions’ running backs, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jahmyr-gibbs">Jahmyr Gibbs</a> and David Montgomery.



Affectionately known as “Sonic and Knuckles“, this pair of runners has created an enviable chemistry on the field, blending speed and power in a way that recalls the legendary characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog universe.



Throughout the season, they have proven to be an unstoppable force. Gibbs, with his ability to break defenses with explosive runs, and Montgomery, with his tenacity and resilience, have been key to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-lions">Lions</a>‘ offensive success.



<h2>Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery’s nicknames origins</h2>



The story of this nickname began in the Lions’ locker room, where running backs coach Scottie Montgomery suggested the comparison. Gibbs, with his speed, embodies Sonic, while Montgomery, with his physical, resembles Knuckles.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250117_BUS_315778_Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-1-1024x576_53f1814e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315784" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17140011/Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17140011/Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17140011/Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17140011/Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17140011/Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17140011/Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17140011/Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17140011/Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>David Montgomery #5 hands the ball off to Jahmyr Gibbs #26 during the second quarter of a game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on November 19, 2023. (Source: Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



This analogy not only highlights their individual skills but also reflects the complementarity they bring to the team. The running backs have formed a dynamic duo since Gibbs joined the team in 2024.



Their performance has been so outstanding that even in times of adversity, such as injuries affecting <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/david-montgomery">David Montgomery</a>, the duo has maintained their effectiveness, adapting and overcoming obstacles together.



This nickname, which started as a simple comparison, has evolved into a symbol of unity and competitive spirit for the Lions. Their relationship is a testament to how camaraderie and complementarity can take a team to new heights.



Together, they have achieved notable milestones, including the possibility that both surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, a feat only a few duos in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> history have accomplished.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250117_BUS_315778_Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-1024x576_28cbf9a8.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315785" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17140013/Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17140013/Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17140013/Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17140013/Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17140013/Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17140013/Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17140013/Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17140013/Jahmyr-Gibbs-David-Montgomery.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jahmyr Gibbs #26 and David Montgomery #5 of the Detroit Lions celebrate a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 24, 2024. (Source: Andy Lyons/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Additionally, they have set a record by scoring touchdowns in the same game 11 times, the most for a pair of running backs in league history, according to sources like ESPN and the official National Football League site.



Montgomery has praised Gibbs, describing him as a “generational talent“. For his part, Gibbs has expressed his excitement about sharing the field with him, emphasizing the importance of their collaboration for the team’s success.

The story behind the 'Sonic and Knuckles' nicknames for Lions' RBs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery

Dan Campbell&#039;s net worth: How much money does the Detroit Lions head coach own?

Jared Goff&#039;s net worth: How much money does the Detroit Lions quarterback own?

Lions' RBs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery: Their nicknames explained - Bolavip US

Why are Lions' RBs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery called Sonic and Knuckles?

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-lions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Detroit Lions</a> have one of the best running back duos in the NFL. Recently, veteran <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/david-montgomery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Montgomery</a> sent a strong message to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jahmyr-gibbs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jahmyr Gibbs</a> regarding the competition for the starting role in the backfield.



Last year, the Lions made two significant acquisitions for the running back position. First, they signed David Montgomery, who brought experience from his time with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bears" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago Bears</a>.



A few weeks later, the team used their 12th overall pick in the 2023 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nfl-draft" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL Draft</a> to select Jahmyr Gibbs. Since then, both players have delivered outstanding performances, leaving fans wondering who should start in the offense.



<h2>David Montgomery gets real about his relationship with Jahmyr Gibbs</h2>



The NFC North has become one of the most competitive divisions today. All teams have improved significantly, with the Lions emerging as strong <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Bowl</a> contenders.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/nfl-news-lions-aidan-hutchinson-makes-something-clear-about-jared-goff-performance"></div>


<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jared-goff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jared Goff</a> leads the offense, supported by several top-tier weapons. In the backfield, Goff is accompanied by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, two of the league’s best running backs.



Both players have had impressive seasons, with Montgomery seeing a few more snaps as RB1. However, the former Bears player doesn’t view Gibbs as a rival, revealing that they share a close relationship.



“Me and Jahmyr, we go hand in hand,” Montgomery said. “And I think a lot of people kinda see it in one light. Like, Jahmyr is a guy who can just do this kind of skill and I’m a guy that does just this kind of skill. But anybody who really watches the tape, they can see I can move a lot better than people think I can. … And Jahmyr, he’s fast, he’s shifty, but he’s strong, too. … You mesh those two things together … I think the sky’s the limit for us.“



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241010_BUS_249776_Jahmyr-Gibbs-Detroit-Lions-NFL-2023-1024x572_3f8b6aa0.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="Jahmyr Gibbs - Detroit Lions - NFL 2023" class="wp-image-56823" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Jahmyr-Gibbs-Detroit-Lions-NFL-2023-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Jahmyr-Gibbs-Detroit-Lions-NFL-2023-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Jahmyr-Gibbs-Detroit-Lions-NFL-2023-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Jahmyr-Gibbs-Detroit-Lions-NFL-2023.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jahmyr Gibbs – Detroit Lions – NFL 2023</figcaption></figure>



Montgomery also shared that they have nicknames for each other: Sonic and Knuckles. The reference comes from the Sonic the Hedgehog video game franchise, where both characters are known for their incredible speed.



<h2>What is David Montgomery’s contract with the Lions?</h2>



David Montgomery signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Detroit Lions in March 2023. The deal includes $11 million guaranteed, along with a $4.5 million signing bonus.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/nfl-rumors-hc-dan-campbell-makes-drastic-personal-decision-after-issues-with-lions-fans"></div>


This contract makes Montgomery the highest-paid running backs on the team, solidifying his role in the Lions’ backfield through the 2025 season.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="670850c67c6f060ea7266053" data-title="Who shoudl be the Lions\&apos; starting running back?" data-options="2"></div>

David Montgomery has a message for Jahmyr Gibbs on the Lions' RB1 competiton

NFL News: Bucs QB Baker Mayfield sends clear message to Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

NFL News: Rams QB Matthew Stafford makes something clear after being booed by Lions fans

Lions: David Montgomery sends message to Jahmyr Gibbs on RB1 battle - Bolavip US

Lions: David Montgomery sends message to Jahmyr Gibbs regarding RB1 competition

Lions News: David Montgomery sends message to Jahmyr Gibbs regarding RB1 competition

The 2023 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bears" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago Bears </a>were expected to be one of the most improved teams in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Football League.</a> Needless to say, that hasn’t been the case, as they’ll look for their first win of the season in Week 4 vs. the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-broncos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denver Broncos.</a>



Justin Fields has struggled to be as good as he was in the second half of last season. The offense has been as inefficient as the defense has been disappointing, and coaching might have a lot to do with that.



That’s why former Bears RB David Montgomery must be thrilled to have joined the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-lions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Detroit Lions</a>, as he now has more rushing touchdowns than his former team as a whole.



<h2>Bears Have Just Five Touchdowns</h2>



According to StatMuse on Twitter, David Montgomery now has five rushing touchdowns for the season, which is as many as the entire Chicago Bears roster has scored through three weeks.



Of course, scoring three touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers does a lot to help with this cause, but Montgomery has been way more efficient than expected in Detroit.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#20230928#BUS#69440"></div>


The Bears, on the other hand, might have to consider rolling Fields out of the pocket instead of trying to keep him between the tackles or even better, think about changing coaches.

NFL 2023: David Montgomery has more touchdowns than the entire Chicago Bears

NFL 2023: David Montgomery has more touchdowns than the entire Chicago Bears - Bolavip US

David Montgomery is staying in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/NFL-News-Justin-Fields-sends-message-to-Chicago-Bears-front-office-20230210-0034.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NFC North</a>. After not getting a contract extension from the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/NFL-Rumors-Bears-admit-Justin-Fields-job-is-not-completely-safe-20230228-0020.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chicago Bears</a>, the running back decided to sign with one of their biggest rivals in the Division in a veryunexpected move.
In 2019, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/NFL-News-Bears-prepare-a-blockbuster-trade-to-change-the-whole-2023-Draft-order-20230227-0026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bears</a> selected David Montgomery with the 73rd-overall draft pick. He suprised everybody and the fans really liked him, but the team’s front office though otherwise.
Once his rookie contract expired, Montgomery became a free agent in 2023. The team was not interested in giving him a contract extension, so the running back decided to prove his value with one of their NFC North rivals.
<h2>David Montgomery signs with Bears’ NFC North rivals</h2>
The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/Chicago-Bears-Draft-Picks-2023-Four-players-who-could-improve-their-OL-and-DL-20230206-0032.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chicago Bears</a> won’t continue with David Montgomery as their starting running back. He ran for 801 yards in 201 attempts, while Khalil Herbert had 731 yards, but in 129 carries.
According to reports, Montgomery wanted a huge contract extension to continue at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/NFL-News-Can-Bears-QB-Justin-Fields-break-Lamar-Jacksons-rushing-record-20230104-0042.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chicago</a>, but the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/The-35-best-teams-in-NFL-history-20221205-0019.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bears</a> were not really interested in it as Herbert had a remarkable season.
However, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/nfl-teams-ranked-by-fan-support-on-social-media" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bears</a> will see Montgomery again very soon. The running back will join the Detroit Lions, their <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/nfl-news-justin-field-clarifies-disrespectful-comments-about-bears-fans-20220922-0005.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NFC North</a> rivals, in a 3-year, $18 million contract,perNFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
This move makes a lot of sense for Detroit. Rumors say they won’t be able to retain Jamaal Williams, who is a pending free agent, and want to build a strong running back tandem with D’Andre Swift and David Montgomery in 2023.
 
<div class="ck-related-news"> 
<div id="relatedNews-68"> </div>
</div>

NFL News: David Montgomery turns his back on Bears and signs with their NFC North rivals

NFL News: David Montgomery turns his back on Bears and signs with their NFC North rivals - Bolavip US

Latest news from David Montgomery. Find out about all the news related to David Montgomery on bolavip.com/en