The Detroit Lions are 12-2 heading into Week 16. They had their 11-game win streak put to an end on Sunday when the Buffalo Bills beat them 48-42.
Not only did they lose the matchup, but they were hit with a key injury on offense. It was reported that running back David Montgomery injured his MCL in the loss to Buffalo and is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season.
That is a massive gut punch to a Lions team that loves to establish the ground game. Thus far into the season, the Lions are ranked sixth in the NFL in rushing offense (143.7). In addition, Montgomery piled up 775 rushing yards and was tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns (12).
Detroit still has Jahmyr Gibbs as an explosive weapon in the backfield, but the Lions love to have a committee approach in the backfield.
They’ll likely be looking around the league to find another tailback to add to the backfield and the Chicago Bears have the perfect option on their practice squad: Royce Freeman.
The Bears added Freeman to their practice squad on Dec. 11 after he was let go by the Cleveland Browns earlier in the season.
Lions Should Claim Royce Freeman
The 28-year-old came into the league as a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. In his career, he’s logged 1,792 rushing yards, 532 receiving yards, and 11 total touchdowns. Freeman has played games for the Broncos, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Rams.
He’s a bruising tailback who can wear defenses down as the game goes on. That’s the role that Montgomery had in the offense and Freeman could be someone who provides some of that.
Detroit still has Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki on the team, but neither guy has seen extended reps in their career. Snatching a player like Freeman from a division rival is an enticing option. The Bears have been eliminated from playoff contention already but seek to end the season on a high note.
D’Andre Swift (groin) and Roschon Johnson (concussion) are both knicked up right now, so there could be a pathway for Freeman to get the call up to the active roster. If he doesn’t, Detroit should pounce on the opportunity as they gear up for a postseason run.
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