Report: David Montgomery could return at some point in the postseason

Lions running back David Montgomery received good news after spending the past few days consulting with specialists.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the Lions are "optimistic" Montgomery avoided season-ending surgery that they initially feared.

Montgomery will begin rehab in hopes of returning at some point in the postseason.

Coach Dan Campbell originally said Montgomery was done for the year, but he later said if doctors believed the knee is stable enough that Montgomery won't make it worse, and if Montgomery thinks he can play, the running back could return.

Montgomery leads the team with 12 touchdowns and is second with 775 rushing yards. He also has 36 receptions for 341 yards. Jahmyr Gibbs' 1,047 rushing yards leads the Lions, and he has 14 totals touchdowns, including 11 rushing.

The Lions signed Montgomery to a two-year, $18.25 million extension in October.