The Chicago Bears are coming up on their final regular season game of the season, and it’s against the Detroit Lions at home on Sunday, January 4. A lot has changed since these two teams first came up against each other on September 14, 2025, when the Lions bulldozed over the Bears with a 52-21 score. The Lions aren’t even in the playoffs this year, while the Bears are close to snagging the No. 2 seed in the NFC, so the tide has turned, and the game on Sunday will likely display that even more.
But, Johnson isn’t taking any chances. He talked to his team about the talented Lions roster before the game, including wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. “You could go on and on about that player,” Johnson said of St. Brown. “He brings so many unique qualities to the table… From a standpoint of a receiver, strong, quick, fantastic hands.”
Johnson added, “One of the most tremendous work ethics that I’ve ever been around. Extremely tough. Willing to do whatever it takes for the team… I can’t say enough good things about him as a person and him as a player. I think that’s the ultimate compliment.”
They say the healthiest teams are the ones that go all the way, and the Bears are fortunate to be fairly healthy going into not only the Detroit Lions game but the postseason. On the other hand, if you look at the Detroit Lions’ lineup going into the Bears game, it’s a different story.
Detroit Lions’ O-Line Ahead of Chicago Bears Showdown
The Lions’ injury report issued on Saturday, January 3, shows a bevy of starting members of the team’s offensive line out. That’s good news for the Bears.
Among the players out are right tackle Penei Sewell (ankle), linebacker Alex Anzalone (concussion/personal), offensive lineman Trystan Colon (broken wrist), safety Thomas Harper (concussion) and defensive tackle Alim McNeill (oblique).
“Just hang it up. All back ups should be playing this game,” one commenter said in response to the Lions’ post on X with the news. “Do we even have a full offensive line for this game? I don’t even want Goff out there for this,” another said.
A Rarity for the Detroit Lions as They Face the Chicago Bears
It’s a rarity for Sewell to be out, and this will only mark the second game of his career NFL where he’s not on the field. “Does it affect you not having [him]? Yeah, it does,” Campbell said of Sewell not being available to play. “He’s a phenomenal player.”
Campbell added, “He’s a phenomenal football player, yet we got guys who are going to step in and do a good job for us, man. They got a job to do, they’ll have a role and we expect them to hold up their end of the bargain.”
For Chicago, it’s an opportunity. Injuries are never a good thing, but if they’re on the other team, it does increase your likelihood of pulling off a win.
Even though the Chicago Bears are already in the postseason, they’re still playing for the No. 2 spot in the NFC, so expect them to give it their all against Detroit. Franchise quarterback Caleb Williams is expected to start with a healthy O-line.
Bears’ Chances of Beating the Lions Just Got Better