Lions' Montgomery 'ready' to play in divisional round after MCL injury

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is ready to hit the field.

Montgomery was a full participant in the Detroit Lions' walk-through practice Tuesday after suffering a knee injury in the loss to the Buffalo Bills and missing the last three games of the regular season. Head coach Dan Campbell originally said the injury would be season-ending, but the running back opted out of surgery and focused on rehabbing his knee with hopes of making the postseason.

"It's refreshing trying to be back in a position where I can help the team," Montgomery told reporters, including ESPN's Eric Woodyard. "I am confident and I wouldn't be out there if I wasn't ready."

The 27-year-old said the rehab process was "pretty strenuous," per Woodyard.

Montgomery and fellow running back Jahmyr Gibbs are one of the strongest duos in the league. The two have a combined 32 touchdowns and 2,187 rushing yards, and the Lions rank sixth in average rushing yards per game.

Detroit received a bye to the divisional round after finishing first in the NFC. They play the Washington Commanders on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.