The Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears released their final injury reports of the week on Friday ahead of their Week 16 matchup on Sunday and a total of three players have been ruled out, seven are questionable and one is doubtful between the two teams.
As expected, running back David Montgomery has been ruled out after suffering an MCL injury last week. It was initially believed that Montgomery would be out for the season, but there is optimism he could make it back in the playoffs.
“Optimistic with a couple of doctors that he saw, the last two. I think we may see where this thing goes,” head coach Dan Campbell said of Montgomery. “It certainly sounds more optimistic.”
Also out is linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who was surprisingly designated to return from injured reserve this week. It was surprising because Campbell gave a less-than-positive update on him a few weeks back.
“Jalen Reeves-Maybin is better, but it’s just slow going right now,” Campbell said on Dec. 9. “So, I don’t really know where he could be. There is a chance that we get him in a few weeks, there’s a chance that we don’t. So, it’s just kind of—it’s just where we’re at.”
The simple fact that Reeves-Maybin is inching closer to a return is fantastic news for a Lions defense that has been hit particularly hard by injury at the linebacker position.
Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu was also designated to return from IR recently, but he has drawn a questionable tag and is uncertain to play. He did, however, turn in three full practices this week, so there appears to be a chance he suits up.
“Yeah, I mean, so much of this was about getting his legs back under him, getting him comfortable this week,” Campbell said of Melifonwu. “We’re not closed to that; I’m not closed to that, I just – he’s gotten a little better every day and he’ll go out there today and practice and we’re working him in some stuff – just see where he’s at. But it’s good to have him back and it’s good to see him out there, functioning, working the position, and so that’s a good thing.”
Whenever he returns, Melifonwu will give the Lions options in the secondary in the wake of veteran cornerback Carlton Davis suffering a significant injury.
Also listed as questionable are safety Brian Branch and guard Graham Glasgow, both of whom finished off the week with a limited session. There’s no update on whether or not either one will play as of this writing.
The biggest names we’re keeping an eye on for the Bears are defensive lineman Gervon Dexter, cornerback Jaylon Johnson and offensive linemen Braxton Jones and Teven Jenkins, all of whom are questionable. Jones was the only one out of Chicago’s questionable players to log a full practice on Friday.
Now, a look at the full list of injury designations for the Bears and Lions ahead of the 1 p.m. ET kickoff on Sunday.
Lions injury designations
UPDATE: After this article was originally published, the Lions announced they have activated safety Ifeatu Melifonwu off injured reser, but he remains questionable to play.
Activating Melifonwu was one of nine roster moves the Lions made on Saturday. Check out the rest of them right here.
END OF UPDATE
RB David Montgomery (knee): Out
LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck): Out
DB Brian Branch (calf): Questionable
OG Graham Glasgow (knee): Questionable
DB Ifeatu Melifonwu (hand): Questionable (activated off IR)
Lions full Week 16 injury report
Bears injury designations
UPDATE: After this article was published, the Bears announced they have placed offensive tackle Ryan Bates on injured reserve.
END OF UPDATE
OT Ryan Bates (concussion): Out (placed on IR)
RB Travis Homer (hamstring): Doubtful
DT Gervon Dexter (knee): Questionable
OT Teven Jenkins (calf): Questionable
OT Braxton Jones (concussion): Questionable
CB Jaylon Johnson (illness): Questionable
Bears full Week 16 injury report
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