CHICAGO, Ill. – The Detroit Lions (12-2) are facing even more injuries ahead of their Week 16 road game against the Chicago Bears (4-10).
Here’s an overview of the changes to their depth chart as the Lions aim to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time in two years.
Quarterbacks
- Jared Goff
- Hendon Hooker
No changes here. Jared Goff recently threw for 494 yards and five touchdowns in a loss. With David Montgomery sidelined this week, the Lions may need more from Goff.
Running Backs
- Jahmyr Gibbs
- Craig Reynolds
- Sione Vaki
- Jermar Jefferson
Out: David Montgomery
Jahmyr Gibbs will take the lead, with Craig Reynolds expected to play a larger role. The Lions have always prioritized keeping their running backs fresh, and with Montgomery out, this will be tested. Gibbs has shown he can handle whatever is thrown his way, earning praise after a breakout rookie year. He has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards and is excelling with big runs and tackles broken. Reynolds and Sione Vaki are expected to follow, with Reynolds serving as the RB2.
“Yeah, it’s why we have the room the way it is, and we’ve always felt like the running back room was a strength for us going into the season, and it stinks that Monty is going to be out, but Gibby’s really – he’s ready for this,” said Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. “We’ve seen a lot of growth from him over the last year and a half, and I think that he’ll take the bull by the horns and run with it.”
Wide Receivers
Starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick
Backups: Allen Robinson, Tom Kennedy
Amon-Ra St. Brown, who had a career-high 14 catches and 193 receiving yards last week, continues to shine. Tim Patrick has been a great addition, and Jameson Williams is expected to break out soon, as it’s been a month since he last topped 100 yards. Tom Kennedy will step in for Maurice Alexander as a depth receiver and likely returner.
Tight Ends
- Sam LaPorta
- Brock Wright
- Shane Zylstra
Sam LaPorta had his best game of the season in the loss to the Bills, setting season highs with 10 targets, seven catches, and 111 yards. The rest of the rotation should remain unchanged, with Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra continuing their roles behind LaPorta.
Offensive Line
Starters: LT Taylor Decker, LG Graham Glasgow, C Frank Ragnow, RG Kevin Zeitler, RT Penei Sewell
Backups: OL Dan Skipper, OG Kayode Awosika, OL Michael Niese, OT/OG Colby Sorsdal, OT Giovanni Manu, OG Christian Mahogany
Questionable: LG Graham Glasgow
If Glasgow is unable to play, rookie Christian Mahogany may start. Mahogany has been active recently, while Awosika has been a healthy scratch. Awosika could be activated for additional depth, given Glasgow and Frank Ragnow’s missed practice time. Michael Niese, who offers interior versatility, is also in the mix, but Mahogany would likely get the start if Glasgow is out.
Defensive Line
DL Starters: Levi Onwuzurike, Za’Darius Smith, DJ Reader, Josh Paschal
Backups: Brodric Martin, Myles Adams, Jonah Williams, Pat O’Connor, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Chris Smith
Alim McNeill is out for the season, which is a major setback. DJ Reader will anchor the line, while Onwuzurike, Smith, and Paschal are expected to see more playing time. Pat O’Connor will continue to provide versatility, while Brodric Martin may have another opportunity. Chris Smith was signed from the practice squad to add depth.
Linebackers
- Jack Campbell (MIKE)
- David Long, Trevor Nowaske, Kwon Alexander, Ezekiel Turner, Ben Niemann
Backup/special teams: Anthony Pittman
Out: Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Jack Campbell will continue playing every snap, with other linebackers rotating in. Kwon Alexander plays early downs, and Trevor Nowaske is the SAM linebacker. Anthony Pittman, signed from Jacksonville’s practice squad, adds special teams depth and brings experience with Aaron Glenn’s defense.
Secondary
Cornerback Starters: Terrion Arnold, Kindle Vildor, Amik Robertson (slot)
Safety Starters: Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph
Backups: S Loren Strickland, CB Emmanuel Moseley, DB Ifeatu Melifonwu
Questionable: Ifeatu Melifonwu, Brian Branch
Brian Branch is dealing with a calf injury but practiced on a limited basis on Thursday and Friday. Loren Strickland returns to the mix, while Brandon Joseph was waived. Kindle Vildor will likely start, but the Lions could get creative with Moseley trending in the right direction and Robertson’s ability to play outside. The team may experiment with different combinations, especially with Carlton Davis III on injured reserve. Ifeatu Melifonwu, activated from injured reserve, could also be ready to contribute.
Special Teams
K – Jake Bates
P – Jack Fox
LS – Hogan Hatten
Kickoffs – Jake Bates
KR – Craig Reynolds
2. – Tom Kennedy/Sione Vaki
PR – Tom Kennedy
2. – Sione Vaki
