The Detroit Lions are headed to Soldier Field short-handed to play the Chicago Bears in Week 13.
This marks the first game without coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn running the team and interim head coach Darell Bevell has a tough assignment ahead of him, as injuries plague the roster and the Lions sit with a losing record.
So how will all of this impact Detroit’s 2020 rookie class? Here’s what to expect from the rookies:
CB Jeff Okudah
The third-overall pick in 2020 has been ruled out once again this week as he deals with a lingering shoulder injury. Expect veteran Darryl Roberts to take his place as the second outside cornerback alongside Amani Oruwariye, with Justin Coleman primarily in the slot.
RB D’Andre Swift
The Lions’ star running back has had his rookie season hindered by injuries. Over the last two weeks, he has sat out of multiple practices due to a concussion (when has cleared) and illness. His official status for this game is ‘doubtful’ so don’t expect Swift to see the field in Chicago.
OL Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg
Overall, the Lions’ offensive line has been a bright spot on an otherwise struggling team.
Jackson will continue to start for Detroit at left guard. So far, the rookie out of Ohio State has committed just two penalties and allowed four sacks while playing as both right and left guard. Jackson may catch a break this week as several of Chicago’s starting defensive linemen have been sidelined from practices with various injuries.
Stenberg is on the back end of the Lions’ offensive line depth chart. He may be active this week due to the number of injured players on the active roster, but don’t expect the rookie to see the field.
WR Quintez Cephus
Cephus could be primed for a much bigger role this week following the release of wide receiver Marvin Hall.
While the rookie has seen more work in the slot, he should now take over as Detroit’s third or fourth receiver and could be used in the deep-threat role that Hall had before his release.
The rookie has 12 receptions for 174 yards on the season but has yet to find the endzone. With Kenny Golladay out and Marvin Hall no longer on the roster, Cephus could end up being the number two guy in Detroit behind Marvin Jones.
Expect a handful of receptions and a score from the rookie receiver against the Chicago Bears.
DL John Penisini
His role has already been increasing from week-to-week, and starting nose tackle Danny Shelton going to the injured reserve, Penisini will now assume the starting role for Detroit’s defensive line.
The rookie nose tackle has outperformed his draft position and shown versatility as a run stuffer and someone who could provide pressure form the interior of the line.
Against a struggling Chicago offensive line, expect big things from this rookie.
TE Hunter Bryant
Bryant recently got brought back to the active roster after a stint on injured reserve. The much-talked-about undrafted rookie impressed enough during training camp to make the initial roster and now will see his first action as an NFL player.
His role will be limited as he sits behind T.J. Hockenson and Jesse James, but the rookie could still see the field in certain offensive situations and could make his first career reception against the Bears.
S Bobby Price
Another undrafted rookie who could make his debut as a pro against Chicago, Price was elevated from the practice squad for this game. While he could provide depth at the safety position, but he is more likely to see the field on special teams.