The Detroit Lions' path to the NFC's top seed has become significantly more difficult.

Lions running back David Montgomery reportedly sustained a torn MCL in Sunday's 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills and is out indefinitely.

He will undergo further testing, but it appears his season could be over.

Montgomery has been instrumental in Detroit's success this season, as his 12 rushing touchdowns are tied for fourth in the NFL, while his 1,116 scrimmage yards ranks 18th among running backs.

Lions RB David Montgomery suffered torn MCL and could be out for the rest of the season. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/B53SzeOTcJ

— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2024

With Montgomery side-lined, Detroit will lean heavily on his back-field mate Jahmyr Gibbs, who ranks fifth in the NFL with 1,047 rushing yards and fourth in yards per carry at 5.63.

Montgomery's ailment is the latest to a Lions team that has been plagued by injuries, but is still in possession of the top seed in the NFC.

Detroit lost Pro Bowl defensive end Aidan Hutchinson to a broken left tibia and fibula in Week 6, and then lost two more defensive starters to likely season-ending injuries against the Bills, with nose tackle Alim McNeil suffering a torn ACL and cornerback Carlton Davis III sustaining a broken jaw.

Backup cornerback and special teamer Khalil Dorsey also fractured his leg on Sunday as Detroit's 11-game winning streak was snapped, and is lost for the season.

Despite having 13 defensive players on injured reserve, the Lions still own the tie-breaker for the NFC's lone play-off bye over the Philadelphia Eagles, who own an identical 12-2 record. The Minnesota Vikings can also improve to 12-2 if they beat the scuffling Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football.

The Lions visit the Bears next Sunday, then visit the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17 before ending the regular season at home against the Vikings in a game that could go a long way in determining the NFC play-off picture.