Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, so the Lions who suffered injuries last game will need to see a rapid recovery in order to play vs the Bears. See my postgame report for videos of all the injuries.
On Monday, Dan Campbell specifically mentioned Kalif Raymond, Carlton Davis, and Taylor Decker as players whose game status is uncertain.
On Tuesday, Campbell expressed no change in optimism regarding the status of those three. He also gave many other injury updates which I will include below.
Both the Monday and Tuesday designations are estimates as the Lions only had walkthroughs.
DETROIT LIONS
Amon-Ra St. Brown WR – knee (NP LP)
St. Brown appeared to injure his right knee area on a punt return in the 4th quarter last game. He was grabbing at his lateral distal knee and upper calf area. He finished the game with no obvious debility which is reassuring. Hopefully, this is just a mild contusion or muscle strain.
Dan Campbell on Tuesday stated: “I feel pretty good about Saint”. Expect him to play on Thanksgiving.
David Montgomery RB, shoulder (NP LP)
After a hard hit to the right shoulder, Montgomery exited the last game. The injury could be a simple contusion or a mild AC joint sprain. Good news though as all signs point towards him playing against his former team on Thursday.
Dan Campbell on Tuesday stated: “I feel pretty good about David”.
Carlton Davis CB, knee/thumb (NP NP)
The thumb is still on the report after a fracture two weeks ago, but the main concern is the new knee injury suffered last game. He took a bad step and hurt his left knee area. Video did not show anything obvious and the ACL is fine. I’m suspecting a mild muscle/tendon strain to the posterior knee.
While the early signals are that the injury is not major, the 2x NP suggests he’s likely out vs the Bears.
Taylor Decker OT, knee (NP NP)
Decker appeared to suffer a mild right MCL sprain and mild right high ankle sprain last game on the same play. While not severe, even a mild version of these injuries could keep him out on Thursday. His status for the game may depend on how he feels on Wednesday.
Kalif Raymond WR, foot (NP NP)
Raymond’s left foot came down hard which is concerning for a foot or toe sprain. A Lisfranc or turf toe are possible among other things. While the injury is expected to keep him out a while, it is good that there has been no report that this is a serious season-ender. He will almost certainly be out this week with the main question being whether he goes on IR before Thanksgiving.
Dan Campbell on Tuesday stated: “We are still waiting on a second opinion….The first word we got was positive.”
DJ Reader DT, illness (NP FP)
Reader played 60% of defensive snaps last game which was his highest percentage of the year. He may have come down with an illness after the game. The FP on Tuesday means the illness is no longer an issue and he’ll very likely play.
Terrion Arnold CB – groin (FP FP)
After missing one game with the groin, the 2x FP is great news that the injury was mild and he will likely play on Thanksgiving. With Davis likely out, getting Arnold back helps a lot.
NOTABLES
Emmanuel Moseley CB
After missing all year with a pec tear, Moseley saw his first action last game with 15 special teams snaps. With Davis likely out and Kindle Vildor struggling last game, Moseley might see some defensive snaps vs the Bears.
Ennis Rakestraw CB
With his second hamstring issue of the year, Rakestraw was placed on IR last week.
OTHER LIONS ON IR
Aidan Hutchinson DE – starter
Alex Anzalone LB – starter
Derrick Barnes LB – starter
Marcus Davenport DE – starter
John Cominsky DE/DT
Kyle Peko DT
Jalen Reeves-Maybin LB
Ifeatu Melifonwu S
CHICAGO BEARS
Elijah Hicks S, ankle (NP NP)
This safety started for five straight games before hurting his ankle and missing last game. The 2x NP means he’s likely out.
Ryan Bates LG, concussion (LP LP)
Bates has missed most of the season with a shoulder injury. He got a concussion two weeks ago and missed the last game. With no FP’s yet, his status for Thanksgiving is uncertain and will likely be determined at Wednesday’s practice.