The Chicago Bears could face an unexpected setback in Week 16 with questions surrounding Jaylon Johnson’s availability for the game against the Detroit Lions. Johnson, the Bears’ $76 million star cornerback, missed Friday’s final practice of the week due to illness, leading the team to add him to the injury report as “questionable” for Sunday’s home game. Johnson is a key player and team captain, so his potential absence would be a significant blow for the Bears’ defense, which has struggled after a strong start to the season. The Lions, boasting one of the NFL’s top offenses, lead the league in scoring and are second in both passing and total yardage.
If Johnson is unable to play, the Bears are expected to rely on second-year cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith as starters against the Lions’ potent offense. With Josh Blackwell and Ameer Speed as the only other backups on the roster, and Kyler Gordon in the slot role, the Bears will face a tough challenge. The Bears (4-10) will take on the Lions (12-2) at Soldier Field on Sunday, December 22, at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, marking the final game of the 2024 season for both teams.
In other injury news, the Bears ruled out veteran offensive lineman Ryan Bates, who is still in concussion protocol and will miss his fifth consecutive game. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (knee), left guard Teven Jenkins (calf), and left tackle Braxton Jones (concussion) are all listed as “questionable” alongside Johnson. On a positive note, running back Roschon Johnson has been cleared to return from his concussion. Johnson, who has six rushing touchdowns this season, missed two games but participated fully in practice leading up to Week 16. His return is timely, as running back Travis Homer, who filled in for Johnson, was added to the injury report with a hamstring issue and is listed as doubtful.
The Lions’ injury report includes a key absence as well, with former Bears running back David Montgomery ruled out for Sunday’s game. Montgomery, who injured his knee in Week 15’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, is optimistic about his playoff return but will not play against his former team. The Lions are expected to rely more on star running back Jahmyr Gibbs and backup Craig Reynolds. Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck) is also out, while guard Graham Glasgow (knee) and safeties Brian Branch (calf) and Ifeatu Melifonwu (knee) are listed as questionable. Other players on the Lions’ roster are cleared to play.
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