Bucs Gameday

Lions' Starting Running Back Injured in First Half vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Already down one running back, the Detroit Lions starter was forced to leave the game with an apparent rib injury.

Collin Haalboom

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The Detroit Lions believe in the value of having a plethora of weapons at the running back position.

That belief is shared not only by their GM, Brad Holmes, but also their head coach, Dan Campbell, as well as their offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson.

That's why they drafted Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in this year's NFL draft. That's why they invested in former Bears' running back, David Montgomery, when he became a free agent this past offseason. And that's why they've used both players to form one of the most dynamic rushing attacks in the NFL.

LIVE UPDATES: Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Still, between their two primary running backs, there's no question which one has established himself as the bellcow for the Detroit Lions... and that's David Montgomery.

And with Gibbs already sidelined for this contest vs. the Buccaneers, there was no doubt that David Montgomery was going to have an especially important role for the Lions. 

However, in the second quarter with the scored tied 3-3, David Montgomery was tackled by a Buccaneers' defender, and was unable to get up off the turf.

He appeared to be holding his chest/shoulder area as he walked to the sideline, before gingerly making his way into the tunnel. 

Although Adam Schefter initially tweeted that it was a shoulder injury, Pam Oliver provided an update on the television broadcast for FOX with 53 seconds to play in the first half. She confirmed that Montgomery is being evaluated for a rib injury, and his return is questionable.

How to Watch Lions vs. Buccaneers: Kickoff Time, TV Channel and Odds

With the Lions now up 10-3 at halftime, they will need Montgomery to return if they hope to be at full power to finish this game out. The Buccaneers on the other hand will need to find their footing on offense if they hope to mount a comeback.

UPDATE: 

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Collin Haalboom
COLLIN HAALBOOM

Prior to joining BucsGameday and Sports Illustrated, Collin's written content was provided through Bucs Banter, and NFL Draft Lounge. He is also the creator and host of the Bucs Banter Podcast. He is a graduate of the Communication Studies program at McMaster University, where he was also a varsity basketball player, and later an advanced scout. He lives with his wife and two children in Hamilton, ON. You can follow Collin on YouTube and Twitter.

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