ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions are still optimistic about the possibility of running back David Montgomery making a comeback from what was initially thought to be a season-ending knee injury.

Head coach Dan Campbell shared on Wednesday that the team is currently in a state of uncertainty regarding Montgomery’s status. “We’re in a holding pattern as of right now,” he noted, calling the situation “a positive.”

Campbell explained that Montgomery is seeking a second medical opinion concerning his knee injury, which he sustained during the Lions’ 48-42 defeat against the Bills last Sunday. “That’s why we have not put him on injured reserve,” he added. “We’re in a waiting mode.”

On Tuesday, the Lions made the decision to place defensive tackle Alim McNeill, cornerback Carlton Davis, and special teams player Khalil Dorsey on injured reserve, marking an NFL-high total of 21 players on the inactive list.

To bolster their roster, Detroit signed linebacker Anthony Pittman from Jacksonville’s practice squad. Pittman, 28, had previously participated in 17 regular-season games and has appeared in three playoff matches for the Lions last season. Additionally, they added cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver from their own practice squad, giving them extra depth at the cornerback position following Davis’ jaw injury. Thomas-Oliver is a 26-year-old who has already taken part in 25 NFL games.

As the Lions (12-2) prepare for their upcoming match against Chicago (4-10) on Sunday, they remain tied for first in the NFC North with the Minnesota Vikings, as well as competing for the top seed in the conference alongside the Eagles.

Should Montgomery be able to return during the playoffs, his presence would significantly enhance an offense that is striving to support a defense dealing with numerous injuries, including 16 players currently on injured reserve.