The Detroit Lions have ruled out two key players and listed one as questionable for their Monday night clash against the San Francisco 49ers.
Running back David Montgomery and wide receiver Kalif Raymond will both miss the game, while linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin’s status remains uncertain.
Montgomery, who is dealing with a knee injury, will miss his second consecutive game and is not expected to return until the postseason. The veteran running back has been a critical component of Detroit’s offense this season, providing a reliable presence in the backfield alongside standout rookie Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery’s absence places additional pressure on Gibbs to carry the rushing load against a 49ers defense that, while underwhelming this season, still poses challenges in the trenches.
Kalif Raymond, meanwhile, is in the early stages of his return to practice following a stint on injured reserve. The wide receiver has been sidelined since late November after sustaining a foot injury during Detroit’s victory over the Indianapolis Colts. While his return to practice is a positive sign, the Lions are proceeding cautiously to ensure his long-term availability as they eye a deep playoff run.
On the defensive side, Jalen Reeves-Maybin’s availability remains up in the air as he continues to manage a lingering injury. The linebacker’s potential absence could leave the Lions thin at the position against a 49ers team that still boasts offensive weapons capable of exploiting mismatches.
Shanahan details 49ers’ motivation to spoil Lions’ playoff seeding
For the San Francisco 49ers, Monday’s matchup marks their home season finale in what has been a disappointing campaign. Following their heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl LVIII earlier this year, the 49ers have struggled to regain their footing and are officially eliminated from playoff contention entering Week 17. Despite their struggles, head coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized the importance of finishing the season strong.
“I want to end it by beating Detroit,” Shanahan said during this week’s episode of NBC Sports Bay Area’s “49ers Game Plan.” “This year hasn’t been a successful year for us. We’d like to finish it … as strong as possible. Not getting into the playoffs has been a huge disappointment for us, and we’ve had to deal with that.”
The Lions, sitting atop the NFC standings, have much more at stake as they look to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Monday’s game offers a stark contrast in motivations, with Detroit seeking to maintain its momentum and San Francisco playing for pride. Kickoff is set for 8:15 PM ET at Levi’s Stadium.