Is David Montgomery Playing In Week 7? Should I Start Jahmyr Gibbs For Fantasy Football?

As fantasy football managers finalize their lineups for Week 7, some high-profile injury situations will shape their decisions and separate the winners from the losers.

Let's check in on the Detroit Lions' injury report ahead of their Sunday afternoon game versus the Baltimore Ravens.

Is David Montgomery playing in Week 7? Should I start Jahmyr Gibbs in fantasy football? It's time to answer these key questions heading into NFL Sunday.

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Is David Montgomery Playing In Week 7 Against the Ravens?

Montgomery suffered a rib injury in the Lions' Week 6 win over the Buccaneers. The injury forced him to exit Sunday's game early, and he was soon diagnosed with a rib cartilage issue.

We don't know the full extent of Montgomery's injury, but head coach Dan Campbell cautioned that the running back will be out for "a little bit." That includes Week 7 versus Baltimore and could quite possibly include the following Sunday, too, especially with the Lions on bye in Week 9.

Fantasy managers should not be surprised if Montgomery doesn't play again until Week 10 versus the Chargers.

Should I Start Jahmyr Gibbs In Fantasy Football?

As unfortunate as Montgomery's injury is, the good news for the Lions is that Gibbs will return from a two-game absence this week. The rookie had been sidelined with a hamstring injury but does not carry a designation heading into Sunday's clash.

Answering the media's questions about Gibbs on Friday, Campbell said, "Certainly, I think he’s going to need to take the load. […] I’d like to say we’re going to be careful with him, but the reality is we need him." The head coach's comments suggest that the first-round pick will be relied on early and often this week.

It's worth noting that Gibbs has struggled in pass protection, which could see him lose snaps to Craig Reynolds (hamstring, toe) against a ferocious Ravens defense.

Nevertheless, Gibbs is Detroit's top running back for the time being and should be started as an RB2 in fantasy football.

Managers who spent a premium draft choice to add the Alabama product could see their patience pay off in Week 7.

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