Thanksgiving is fast approaching and the Lions, who sustained injuries in their last game, must recover quickly to play against the Bears. Check out my post-game report for videos of all the injuries.
On Monday, Dan Campbell specifically mentioned Kalif Raymond, Carlton Davis and Taylor Decker as players whose playing status is uncertain.
On Tuesday, Campbell expressed no change in his optimism about the status of those three. He also gave many other injury updates which I will list below.
Both 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 have injured his right knee on a punt return in the fourth quarter of the last game. He grabbed his lateral distal knee and upper calf area. He finished the game with no apparent weakness, which is reassuring. Hopefully it's just a minor bruise or pulled muscle.
Dan Campbell said Tuesday: “I feel pretty good about Saint.” Expect him to play on Thanksgiving.
David Montgomery RB, Shoulder (NP LP)
After a hard blow to the right shoulder, Montgomery was eliminated in the final game. The injury can be a simple bruise or a mild sprain of the AC joint. However, there is good news as all signs point to him playing against his former team on Thursday.
Dan Campbell said Tuesday: “I feel pretty good about David.”
Carlton Davis CB, knee/thumb (NP NP)
The thumb is still under test after breaking it two weeks ago, but the biggest concern is the new knee injury he sustained in the last game. He took a bad step and injured his left knee area. The video showed nothing abnormal and the ACL is fine. I suspect a slight muscle/tendon strain in the back knee.
While early indications suggest the injury is not serious, the 2x NP suggests he will likely be sidelined against the Bears.
Taylor Decker OT, Knee (NP NP)
Decker appeared to have suffered a mild right MCL sprain and a mild right upper ankle sprain on the same play last game. While these injuries are not serious, even a mild version could keep him from playing on Thursday. His status for the game could depend on how he feels on Wednesday.
Caliph Raymond WR, foot (NP NP)
Raymond's left foot came down hard, raising concerns for a sprained foot or toe. A Lisfranc or turf toe is possible, among other things. Although the injury is expected to keep him out for a while, it's good that there is no report that this is a serious end to the season. He will almost certainly be out this week, with the main question being whether he goes on IR before Thanksgiving.
Dan Campbell said Tuesday: “We're still waiting for a second opinion…The first word we got was positive.”
DJ Reader DT, illness (NP FP)
Reader played 60% of the defensive snaps last game, which was his highest percentage of the year. He may have contracted an illness after the game. The FP said on Tuesday that the illness was no longer a problem and he would most likely play.
Terrion Arnold CB – Bar (FP FP)
After missing a game with the groin injury, the 2x FP is good news that the injury was mild and he will likely play on Thanksgiving. With Davis likely out, getting Arnold back helps a lot.
NOTEWORTHY
Emmanuel Moseley CB
After missing the entire year with a torn pectoral muscle, Moseley saw his first action in the final game with 15 special teams snaps. With Davis likely out and Kindle Vildor struggling last game, Moseley could see some defensive effort against the Bears.
Ennis Rakestraw CB
With his second thigh problem 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 five straight games before injuring his ankle and missing the final game. The 2x NP means he's probably out.
Ryan Bates LG, Concussion (LP LP)
Bates missed most of the season with a shoulder injury. He suffered a concussion two weeks ago and missed the last game. Since he has no FPs yet, his status for Thanksgiving is uncertain and will likely be determined at practice on Wednesday.
