December football in Chicago is unforgiving, and for the Lions, the timing couldn’t be worse as injuries pile up ahead of Sunday’s divisional clash with the Bears.
The Detroit Lions will travel to Chicago on Sunday as 3-point underdogs against the Bears, but the betting line only tells part of the story. Injuries have piled up for Detroit late in the season, leaving several key contributors either sidelined or questionable as the Lions prepare for a physical NFC North matchup at Soldier Field.
Detroit’s most pressing concerns lie along both lines of scrimmage. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill did not practice this week and is considered likely out. While his absence weakens the interior of the defensive line, the Lions may opt for caution after McNeill logged heavy snaps throughout the season. Resting him could preserve long-term health, even if it limits Detroit’s ability to control the run against Chicago.
Offensively, the status of All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell looms large. Sewell did not practice and is trending toward missing Sunday’s game due to a possible high ankle sprain. If he is unable to go, it would represent one of the most significant losses Detroit has faced this season, particularly in cold conditions where pass protection and run blocking become even more critical.
Detroit is also likely to be without offensive lineman Trystan Colon, who did not practice and is viewed as very likely out. His absence further strains a offensive front already dealing with rotation issues.
At linebacker, Alex Anzalone’s availability remains doubtful. Anzalone was limited in practice while working through a concussion, but expectations remain that he will not play. Safety Thomas Harper was upgraded to limited practice, but after sustaining his second concussion, it would be surprising if Detroit clears him for action.
There was modest encouragement on the offensive line. Left tackle Taylor Decker logged two limited practices and is trending toward playing, giving Detroit some stability on the blind side. Kayode Awosika and Christian Mahogany, both dealing with illness earlier in the week, were upgraded and are expected to play. Giovanni Manu, however, remains unable to reach full participation nearly three months into his recovery and is likely out.
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was upgraded to limited participation, putting him on track to play. Even so, the Lions may weigh the risks carefully, particularly given the physical nature of the matchup and the cold conditions expected in Chicago.
Detroit did receive good news in the secondary, as saftey Avonte Maddox returned to full practice after battling a back issue and illness.
The Bears enter the game with their own injury concerns. Wide receiver Rome Odunze did not participate early in the week with a foot injury, while edge defender Joe Tryon-Shoyinka remains in concussion protocol. Offensive lineman Jonah Jackson missed multiple practices due to illness, and defensive back Nick McCloud and offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo were limited. Chicago saw improvement as the week progressed, with Josh Blackwell upgraded to full participation, along with Luther Burden III and Olamide Zaccheaus.
Adding a notable footnote to the weekend, Bears linebacker Noah Sewell — the younger brother of Penei Sewell — was placed on injured reserve with a torn Achilles, ending his season.
With both rosters battered, Sunday’s game may hinge less on star power and more on availability, depth, and execution. For the Lions, managing injuries while remaining competitive on the road will be the final challenge of a long and demanding season.