Tag: Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions

Bears DB fined for coaxing Jameson Williams’ penalty in Week 13

Bears DB Tyrique Stevenson fined for coaxing Jameson Williams’ penalty during Detroit’s Week 13 win over Chicago

When Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams earned an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in Detroit’s Week 13 win over the Chicago Bears, television replays immediately showed that Williams wasn’t the only guilty party on the play. Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson quite clearly tripped Williams intentionally as the receiver tried to exit the Bears sideline after the play.

The NFL saw it, too. And while Williams was immediately penalized for flipping the ball at Stevenson, the league eventually got around to punishing Stevenson, too.

On Saturday, the NFL doled out a $19,697 fine for Stevenson for his act. It’s subtle, but watch Stevenson’s foot as Williams starts to fall.

 

Williams was not fined for the penalty, which did cost the Lions a successful drive in the game, which Detroit won 23-20.

Jameson Williams apologizes to Lions for his taunting penalty

Lions head coach Dan Campbell indicated that WR Jameson Williams apologizes to the team for his costly taunting penalty

One of the contributing factors in the Lions’ underwhelming second-half performance in the Thanksgiving win over the Chicago Bears was a costly penalty against Detroit wide receiver Jameson Williams. “Jamo” flipped the ball into the face of a Bears player on the Chicago sideline, earning an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

The infraction stymied any Lions momentum at a time–just under 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter–when the Lions desperately needed some. The penalty pushed the Lions back from near the 30-yard line to the Bears 44 and created a 2nd-and-22. The drive stalled, and kicker Jake Bates missed his first goal of the season.

After the game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell talked about several things that needed to get cleaned up after nearly blowing a 16-0 halftime lead. Williams’ penalty was prominent in his mind. Campbell credited Wiliams for owning his mistake.

“Yeah, and look, I’ll be honest with you, that’s already cleaned up. It’s already cleaned up,” Campbell said in his press conference. “So, we’re good. And as a matter of fact, Jamo got right in front of the team a minute ago, unsolicited, and wanted to apologize to his teammates. That’s big, that’s growth. So all good.”

Williams was a big part of the Lions offense in the win over the Bears. He was targeted on seven passes, catching five for 29 yards, while also running twice for 18 yards. That included a spectacular hurdle over a Bears defender.

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Lions postgame injury and medical report following the Thanksgiving win over the Bears

Lions postgame injury and medical report following the Thanksgiving win over the Bears which saw several players leave with injuries

The Lions gutted out a Thanksgiving victory but not before a myriad of players went down with injuries. There will be no mini-bye respite yet as the next game is in seven days on Thursday Night Football vs the Packers.

The main concerns coming out of the game are Malcolm Rodriguez, Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, and DJ Reader. Unfortunately, all those are along the front-7 which was already a significantly weakened unit coming into the game.

In Dan Campbell’s postgame press conference, he did provide some injury updates which I will include below.

These are the injuries I saw on initial watch along with suspected diagnoses:

Emmanuel Moseley

Moseley was a surprise inactive with Carlton Davis out, Terrion Arnold recovering (groin), and Kindle Vildor struggling last game. Moseley had played 15 special teams snaps last game without obvious issue. Dan Campbell stated that he had “pregame something that popped up”. It doesn’t sound too serious or long-term, but his status for next game is uncertain.

Terrion Arnold – groin

Despite a full week of “estimated” FP’s, Arnold did not start the 1st drive although he started all the drives after that. As to why, Dan Campbell stated: “We just wanted to make sure he was good.” Arnold looked sharp throughout the game.

Josh Paschal – right knee, 2q 12:50

Paschal appeared to take a hard step onto his right leg and did not return to the game. No deformity of the knee was seen on video which is good. He went to the locker room but returned to the sideline which is reassuring. A bone bruise is a possibility as well as cartilage damage. He’ll get an MRI soon to evaluate.

Levi Onwuzurike – left hamstring, 2q 00:09

The video looked concerning for a knee sprain but it was officially listed as a hamstring. He did not return to the game. He’s likely out for at least next game. Severity will determine how long he is out.

Mekhi Wingo – mild right knee sprain, 3q

Wingo had a slight limp during the 1st drive of the 2nd half. There was no obvious injury on video. He showed up with a right knee brace on the 2nd drive of the half and was still playing at the 12:00 mark of the 4th quarter. Hoping that this is just a mild knee sprain.

DJ Reader – left shoulder, 4q 11:18

The mechanism here is concerning for a shoulder subluxation. Hopefully, it’s just a mild shoulder strain. Good news is that he did return to the game although there were points where you could see that the shoulder was still bothering him.

Dan Skipper – right back or ribs, 4q 9:14

Skipper took a direct blow to the right torso/flank area. That is the same area as the rib injury he suffered in week 3, and I’m suspecting an aggravation of that injury. He was able to finish out the game and I don’t have any concerns going forward.

Khalil Dorsey – right low ankle sprain, 4q 8:24

His right ankle inverted slightly causing him to come up limping. I’m suspecting a mild low ankle sprain. He was able to stay in the game and should be fine.

Malcolm Rodriguez – right knee, 4q 6:39

Dan Campbell stated: “Rodrigo is the [injury] that could be the worst.”

The video was not clear but there is a concern for a non-contact ACL. Hopefully, it’s just a mild knee sprain.

Kindle Vildor – left arm contusion, 4q 3:14

Vildor had his left arm banged in friendly fire. He left the game briefly but returned and should be fine.

Za’Darius Smith – cramps, 4q 3:06 & 1:08

Smith needed assistance a couple times at the end of the game. I’m suspecting simple cramps as he was given an electrolyte drink on the sideline immediately after the initial episode. He was able to finish out the game.

Brian Branch – left ankle, 4q 1:04

There was no video of the injury here, but after the play, he was grabbing at his left ankle. He stayed in the game and looked to be fine.

Lions get first bite of dinner with Sam LaPorta touchdown

Lions get first bite of dinner with Sam LaPorta touchdown catch against the Bears defense

One play into the second quarter, the Lions have dig into their Thanksgiving dinner first with a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jared Goff to tight end Sam LaPorta.

After being held to just 19 yards last week against the Colts, LaPorta is back on the board. He may only have five yards following that catch, but with nearly three full quarters yet to play, LaPorta is in a good position to surpass last week’s total.

 

Is Amon-Ra St. Brown playing today? Injury updates for Lions WR

Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown is dealing with a knee injury. Here are the latest updates.

Standout Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the most important players on the roster. Unfortunately, St. Brown is dealing with a knee injury suffered in Detroit’s Week 12 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

It’s not a serious injury, but it is worrisome enough that St. Brown could be held out of the Week 13 matchup on Thanksgiving against the Chicago Bears.

Amon-Ra St. Brown injury update

St. Brown was officially listed as questionable on the Lions final injury report. He sat out Monday’s walkthrough and was a limited participant on Tuesday. St. Brown was a full participant on Wednesday, the final practice before the Thanksgiving game.

On Tuesday, head coach Dan Campbell offered this update on the All-Pro wideout,

“Yeah, I feel pretty good about Saint, actually. Well, I’ll know more today.”

How long will St. Brown be out?

St. Brown is active for the game and will play against the Bears.

Lions WR depth chart

St. Brown is the Lions top wide receiver and leading target for QB Jared Goff. St. Brown has 71 receptions on 85 targets, both of which are far beyond any other wideout.

Jameson Williams is next in line with 29 receptions and 48 targets in nine games. Then there’s a drop to big veteran Tim Patrick, with 19 receptions in 10 games. Kalif Raymond was placed on I.R. this week, with the Lions signing Maurice Alexander from the team’s practice squad. Veteran Allen Robinson has just two catches and five targets in five games of limited duty.

Lions vs Bears: Last-minute thoughts and final score prediction

Lions vs Bears: Last-minute thoughts and final score prediction for Thursday’s Thanksgiving Day game in Ford Field

Happy Thanksgiving! It’s always a special holiday for Detroit Lions fans, but this year is even more grand.

As I drink the morning coffee on this Lions gameday, the Lions are owners of the best record in the NFL. Okay, technically the Kansas City Chiefs are also 10-1, but the Lions are the current holders of the No. 32 spot on the NFL’s waiver wire.

Dan Campbell’s Lions are the best team in the league entering Week 13. They’ve won nine games in a row thanks to a balance between the No. 1 scoring offense and No. 2 scoring defense in the NFL.

It’s been a long time since the Lions won on Thanksgiving. The Chicago Bears, today’s opponent, are responsible for ruining the day for the Lions in three of those seven consecutive losses. Will the Lions exact some revenge on the day where Detroit is the rare focal point of the NFL?

Why I think the Lions will win

Defense.

Okay, I probably need to say more than one word. But everything good about this matchup rests upon Aaron Glenn’s banged-up but still incredibly effective defensive unit.

The Lions defense is playing some great team football lately. The cohesion and communication between the line, the backers and the secondary has been outstanding, no matter the personnel on hand. Glenn has found the sweet spot for his impact players, namely DT Alim McNeill and safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.

All three are poised for big games in this one, most notably McNeill. He’s been on a tear as a pass rusher on the interior, and in this matchup, McNeill draws a subpar G-C-G package from the Bears. They’re not bad players individually, but the combination of Teven Jenkins, Matt Pryor and Coleman Shelton plays with little chemistry or coordination.

The biggest matchup advantage for the Lions in this game comes from their big guys on defense, and that also includes DJ Reader, Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike and Za’Darius Smith. Power wins against the Bears. Talented power dominates.

The object of Detroit’s aggression is rookie QB Caleb Williams. The latest in a long line of Bears quarterback solutions has, at times, shown why he was the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft in Detroit. Williams has also proven his vociferous critics correct (so far, anyway) with erratic decisions, an inability to consistently win in the structure of the offense, and a maddening propensity to hold the ball way too long.

Getting Terrion Arnold back will help the Lions man coverage on the outside, though not having Carlton Davis will hurt. The opportunism of Joseph and Branch at safety, playing behind a pass rush that should be effective and a run defense that should stymie old friend D’Andre Swift, makes it tough to see the Bears scoring much without some help from more injuries, officiating or just a collective off day from too many Lions. Branch got his out of his system last week, and I expect a big rebound game here.

Moreover, Chicago is just not a well-coached offense. The Windy City airwaves and blogosphere are crowded with calls for coach Matt Eberflus’ head. They’ve already fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, but the heat is still on thanks to a scheme that doesn’t necessarily play to the strength of their top talents. Clock management, playcalling decisions, frigid starts to games–they’re all still major issues for the Bears.

On the opposite side of the ball, the Lions should be able to run early and often against the Bears defensive front. Chicago has some very legit talent upfront, but their spacing and attack-at-all-times scheme leaves them vulnerable against disciplined offenses that don’t get discouraged from running the ball on 2nd-and-10 or 3rd-and-7. The Lions run offense with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, running behind a well-heeled line, has no such problems.

Then there’s the coaching. Eberflus is on the hot seat. Campbell should be getting more mention than he is for NFL Coach of the Year, and all three coordinators–Glenn, OC Ben Johnson and special teams coach Dave Fipp–are at or near the top of their respective positions. The Lions coaching staff is a well-oiled machine. The Bears staff is leaking oil above some smoldering kindling.

Don’t think for a second the Lions coaches don’t know how long it’s been since this team won on this day. Chicago might be an inferior opponent statistically and record-wise, but ending the Thanksgiving losing will mean something to them. So will beating a division opponent.

What concerns me about the Bears

Much of what concerns me about the Bears relates more to the Lions and the rampant injuries across the roster. If Detroit was at full strength, I would expect them to win by 20-plus points.

Alas, this is not even close to the full complement of talent for Detroit. Left tackle Taylor Decker is out, as is starting outside CB Carlton Davis. Losing Decker is huge because the fundamental tenet of Chicago’s defense is being able to pressure the quarterback by only rushing four. The dropoff from Decker to the next OT in line–be it Dan Skipper or practice squad elevation Jamarco Jones–is significant.

Moving Penei Sewell from the right side to the left shores up the left side, but the Bears defense typically aligns their best pass rusher, Montez Sweat, against the right tackle. Much of the Lion’s run blocking is based around Sewell’s seek-and-destroy mobility and power from the right side, too. Either way, Decker is a major loss against the Bears.

Davis’ absence on defense pushes Kindle Vildor, Khalil Dorsey and Emmanuel Moseley two spots higher up the depth chart. Remember, just last Thursday Detroit had rookie Ennis Rakestraw as CB4. Now he and Davis are out. The Lions depth CBs are tasked with controlling a very good 1-2-3 WR combination in DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen. The safeties and LBs can’t help too much because TE Cole Kmet is a very good receiver, as is Swift at RB out of the backfield. Caleb Williams’ running and improvisational ability demands their attention, too. Chicago’s offense might be erratic and poorly coached, but they do have the ability to make some plays.

Back to the Bears defense. Goff has struggled against them; 43-for-70, 393 yards, 3 TDs and 5 INTs in two games last year. Much like the Buccaneers in Detroit’s only loss this year, the Bears are really good at getting quick pressure by rushing just four, and simultaneously crowding the middle of the field. That’s where Goff attacks at his best and the Bears are really good at taking it away. They too have opportunistic defenders; eight different Bears have INTs and 10 have forced fumbles on the season. Factor in Graham Glasgow’s recent struggles at left guard and Decker’s absence to his outside flank, and the Bears D could be a real problem for Goff and the Lions. Especially if Ben Johnson gets impatient and too intricate with his play calls and designs–as happened against the Buccaneers back in Week 2…

Final score prediction

I think the Lions have enough talent to survive what figures to be a spirited challenge from a Bears team that just might have a death-gasp game in them. Lions win, 20-17, on a Jake Bates field goal on Detroit’s final drive.

 

Lions vs Bears: Final injury report and medical analysis

Lions vs Bears: Final injury report and medical analysis for both teams on the Thanksgiving game in Week 13

For the Lions, the three main concerns coming out of last game were Kalif Raymond, Carlton Davis, and Taylor Decker. Unfortunately, all three will be out tomorrow. Fortunately, none are long-term season-enders.

Here’s to a happy and healthy Thanksgiving to the teams and fans!

DETROIT LIONS

Out – Carlton Davis CB, knee/thumb (NP NP NP)

The left thumb fracture happened two weeks ago and he has been playing through with a splint. The left knee injury happened last game. While it will keep him out, it doesn’t appear to be serious. Hopefully, it’s just a mild muscle/tendon strain to the posterior knee.

Out – Taylor Decker OT, knee (NP NP NP)

Decker appeared to suffer a mild right MCL sprain and mild right high ankle sprain last game. Even a mild version of these injuries can sideline a player for a couple weeks. While he will miss this Thursday, there is a decent chance he will be back next Thursday vs the Packers.

Questionable – Amon-Ra St. Brown WR, knee (NP LP FP)

St. Brown was grabbing at his right lateral distal knee and upper calf after a punt return in the 4th quarter last game. I’m suspecting just a mild contusion or muscle strain. He looked good finishing the last game and I expect him to play with minimal to no limitations.

Questionable – David Montgomery RB, shoulder (NP LP FP)

Montgomery left the last game with a suspected right shoulder contusion or AC joint sprain. The injury is mild and I expect no limitations on Thanksgiving.

In – DJ Reader DT, illness (NP FP FP)

Since his first appearance in week two, Reader has played in every game logging around 40-60% of snaps. Expect this percentage to continue tomorrow.

In – Terrion Arnold CB, groin (FP FP FP)

After missing one game with the groin, Arnold is back in. His health is important with Davis out.

NOTABLES

Out – Kalif Raymond

Raymond’s left foot came down hard last game which was concerning for a turf toe, Lisfranc, among other things. As reported by Ian Rapaport, Raymond was placed on IR today but is expected to be back for the playoffs at the latest. This is a pretty good outcome as it could have been much worse. He is eligible to return on December 30 vs the 49ers.

In – 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 out, Arnold recovering, and Kindle Vildor struggling, Moseley might see some defensive snaps vs the Bears.

Out – Ennis Rakestraw CB

Rakestraw was placed on IR last week with a hamstring.

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

Out – Elijah Hicks S, ankle (NP NP NP)

This safety started for five straight games before hurting his ankle. He’ll miss his second straight game.

Out – Ryan Bates LG, concussion (LP LP NP)

Bates got a concussion two weeks ago and will miss his 2nd straight game.

Lions reveal their Thanksgiving uniforms won’t be leftovers

The Detroit Lions will not be wearing leftover uniforms on Thanksgiving, going with one of the new-style combos against the Bears

In some recent years, the Detroit Lions have taken the field on Thanksgiving wearing throwback uniforms. In 2024, there will be no leftovers inside Ford Field.

The Lions announced they will wear the “blueberries” uniform package: the new-style blue jerseys with solid blue pants and socks and the silver helmet topping it off.

Thursday’s game against the Chicago Bears will be the fourth time the Lions have gone with the blueberries in 2024. Detroit won all three prior occasions, in Weeks 1, 8 and 11.

 

Blueberries are on this year’s Thanksgiving table!

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— Detroit Lions (@detroitlions.bsky.social) November 27, 2024 at 10:03 AM

Dan Campbell says Emmanuel Moseley is ‘ready’ to contribute again on defense

Moseley only played on special teams in Week 12 but is poised for more against the Bears

Lions cornerback Emmanuel Moseley made his long-awaited return to game action Sunday against the Colts. It was Moseley’s first game since Week 1 of the 2023 season when, just two snaps into the season, he suffered a torn ACL for the second year in a row. Moseley also suffered a torn pectoral muscle during training camp.

Moseley was activated from injured reserve Friday and was active for the game Sunday, playing 15 snaps on special teams. Campbell talked about Moseley this week and was asked how close he is to contributing on defense.

“He’s ready,” Campbell said. “I think that was — this game (Sunday) was big. He hadn’t played in two years, and to be able to go out there and know that, ‘OK, I can trust this, I can trust my body.'”

Campbell added: “He went out there, competed, did a good job on teams for us, but yeah, I think he’s ready. I think he’s ready and we’re not afraid to use him.”

It was definitely big for Moseley, who also felt accomplished coming out of the game healthy. “It’s a blessing to be out there and just being out there with my brothers running around, mainly coming out of the game healthy. That was huge,” Moseley said, via MLive. “It’s been two years since I’ve accomplished that. It was great.”

Detroit Lions final injury report for Week 14 vs. the Chicago Bears

Detroit Lions final injury report for Week 14 vs. the Chicago Bears

The Detroit Lions will be without center Frank Ragnow when the team heads west to Chicago for Sunday’s NFC North showdown with the Bears. As had been previously noted, Ragnow is now officially ruled out for Week 14 with injuries to his knee, back and toe.

Also ruled out: rookie QB Hendon Hooker. While he remains on the NFI list, Hooker has been practicing with the team and is on the clock to be activated. Ruling him out as Hooker recovers from his knee surgery last year effectively indicates he won’t be activated until next week.

Linebacker Alex Anzalone carries no injury designation into the game, so Detroit’s defensive captain is good to go. Fellow linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, who doubles as the team’s fullback, is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. Rodriguez was a limited participant in all three days of practice this week.