Green Bay Packers running back Ty Montgomery is facing a crucial season. He’ll be in the final year of his rookie deal, which means he’ll need to impress to get a big new contract. With that being the case, Montgomery has been hitting the gym hard as he aims to get in the best shape possible.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has certainly taken notice of the work Montgomery has been putting in and thinks he’ll look a lot different once the season starts.

“He's been there every day, too,” coach Mike McCarthy said per ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. “Looks great. I know (strength and conditioning coordinator) Mark Lovat is excited about where he is. I think you'll see a bigger, stronger Ty Montgomery this year.”

But while Montgomery is doing all he can to prepare for a big year, a lot will still depend on his ability to stay healthy. The 25-year-old sat out another eight games last season due to multiple injuries, putting his career total to 19 missed games out of a possible 48 through three seasons. Montgomery believes that if healthy, he can be a big asset for the Packers.

“I know that I can be a really good football player; I just need to stay healthy,” Montgomery said. “It's something I haven't been able to do my rookie season and last season. Two seasons before that, I wasn't playing for almost half the season. I'm looking forward to getting one full healthy season under my belt. That'll tell.”

After impressing when he switched from wide receiver to running back in 2016, Montgomery didn’t exactly shine last year as he averaged a mere 34 yards per game and 3.8 yards per attempt. He now faces stiff competition from Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones for touches in the backfield. But hopefully for Montgomery and the Packers, his improved body will hold up and help him emerge as the team’s undisputed top running back.