Sep 9 update: Montgomery was limited again on Friday and is listed as questionable for Week 1.
Sep 8 update: Montgomery was limited for a second straight day on Thursday.
September 7, am update: Montgomery officially was limited on Wednesday with his ankle injury. That’s a good start to the week and gives him a chance to play against the Dolphins.
September 7, am update: Montgomery returned to practice on Wednesday, per Zack Cox. which is a good sign for his ability to play Sunday. We’ll need to see how he is listed on the injury report, but not sitting on the sidelines is a big improvement. If he does play, Rhamondre Stevenson’s fantasy upside would take a hit.
September 6 update: Bill Belichick told reporters that Montgomery has a shot to play in Week 1, per Zack Cox.
Rookie running back Ty Montgomery has been one of the more pleasant training camp surprises for the New England Patriots. He’s looked good in practice, shaping up to be a dynamic weapon out of the backfield. Unfortunately, Montgomery suffered a frightening ankle injury in the team’s preseason finale that saw him carted off the field. Since then, head coach Bill Belichick has given a vague, but positive report about the seriousness of the rookie’s injury. Still, as of Thursday, he had yet to return to practice, clouding his outlook for Week 1.
Fantasy football implications
In true Patriots fashion, the backfield picture was getting muddled as the preseason wound down. Montgomery earned playing time with his impressive work, but the question was how much work he’d get and how it would impact the load for Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson.
Without Montgomery, most observers believe that Harris will get the heaviest load in the backfield, similar to last season. Though improved play from Stevenson, who struggled to hold onto the football last season, could mean more touches. When Montgomery is ready to play again, it looks like he could be headed for work as the receiving threat out of the backfield, the honorary James White professorship.