Craig Reynolds

Reynolds was one of a few options to be the Lions' next man up with David Montgomery out. Week 16's split of the backup duties didn't give us much clarity. Reynold's four attempts led the group, but Jermar Jefferson ran three times and Sione Vaki caught two passes, pacing the trio in all receiving categories. The answer here is Jahmyr Gibbs and no one else. Fantasy managers can cut ties with Reynolds heading into Week 17.

The question is simply how big of a role there is behind Gibbs. Reynolds took 14 carries to Gibbs' 26 in Week 8 of 2023 against the Raiders, and three carries to Gibbs' 11 in Week 7 of 2023 against the Ravens. That was with a rookie Gibbs, though, and it's possible the Lions are more interested in entrusting Gibbs with a large majority of the workload today. Ultimately we expect Reynolds and Vaki to command no more than a Cam Akers-ish closeout role with a snap here or there. It may not be enough for fantasy value in Week 16.

Suffered knee injury in Week 15 Dan Campbell says RB David Montgomery (knee) will have season-ending surgery. (The Athletic - Colton Pouncy) FF Today's Take: The Lions suffered a number of season-ending injuries in their Week 15 loss versus the Bills. His absence opens the door for Jahmyr Gibbs to be the featured back in Detroit, making him an easy top-five running back for the remainder of the fantasy playoffs. Deep leaguers are encouraged to add Craig Reynolds and/or Sione Vaki this week, although Gibbs should be locked in for 20-plus touches now.

A brutal day for the Lions gets even worse as Montgomery goes from out indefinitely to out for the season. Montgomery finishes the season with a 185/775/12 rushing line as well as 36 catches for 341 yards. He just signed an extension this season, but with the late date of this injury and the quick "out for season" call, it's possible the torn MCL has Montgomery missing time this offseason. This firmly places Jahmyr Gibbs as high as RB2 overall in the fantasy ranks this week, behind only Saquon Barkley. It's also possible it creates a fantasy role for Craig Reynolds.

According to Schefter, Montgomery is undergoing additional tests on his knee and getting a second opinion, while adding that the veteran running back "could be lost for the season." It's a brutal blow to the Lions, and Montgomery's fantasy managers, as Monty has played a key role in the team's offensive success both on the ground and through the air. Serving as the "Knuckles" to Jahmyr Gibbs' "Sonic," Montgomery has rushed 185 times for 775 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns this season. His 12 rushing touchdowns are tied for second-most amongst all running backs, while his 1,116 yards from scrimmage ranks 18th amongst all backs. Montgomery's absence should set up Gibbs for high-volume weeks in the fantasy playoffs, while backup Craig Reynolds could also see an increase in playing time. Reynolds' unpredictable workload will keep him off the fantasy radar in Week 16, although he does make for an interesting stash in deeper leagues for those still in the hunt for a championship.