Packers RB Ty Montgomery expected to play vs. Vikings without limitations, per report

In a Week 4 game against the Chicago Bears, Ty Montgomery broke multiple ribs on his fifth carry, a painful injury that tends to sideline players for a month or longer. However, just over two weeks later, the Green Bay Packers expect the running back to suit up against the Minnesota Vikings and play without limitations, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The news that Montgomery will play seems less a surprise now than it when he initially broke his ribs. The running back fully participated in practice all week while wearing a flak jacket, suggesting that his return would come sooner than originally anticipated.

However, Montgomery playing without limitations does come as a bit of a surprise. Even with the added protection, running backs must absorb much more contact than players. Wide receiver Jordy Nelson suffered a similar injury in the wild-card round of the playoffs last season and hardly resembled his Pro Bowl form at a position requiring less down-to-down contact.

Even if Montgomery's ribs don't hinder him, the Packers seem likely to platoon him with Aaron Jones. Jones, a fifth-round pick earlier this year, made the first start of his NFL career last week and rushed 19 times for 125 yards and a touchdown. Even if those numbers prove unsustainable, Jones should allow the team to avoid overusing Montgomery in his return.