The Chicago Bears released their final injury report ahead of their Week 17 matchup against the Detroit Lions on Friday. A few key changes from Thursday’s report could have a significant impact on their chances of securing their fourth win of the season in the divisional showdown.
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Especially at the wide receiver position, the Bears made strides to get back on the field, with Chase Claypool, Dante Pettis, and Equanimeous St. Brown all improving their status over the course of the week. Claypool was limited on Friday along with Pettis, and St. Brown was listed as a full participant and will play against Detroit.
Along with Claypool and Pettis, tight end Trevon Wesco was the Bears’ final player listed as questionable after having a limited designation all week with a calf injury.
Among those who were listed as definitively out for the matchup against the Lions were linebacker Sterling Weatherford and offensive lineman Ja’Tyre Carter. After not practicing on Thursday, Weatherford was a limited participant, but his illness did not improve enough for the Bears to consider playing him on Sunday. Carter suffered a back injury earlier in the week and did not practice on Thursday or Friday.
Defensive linemen Andrew Brown and Justin Jones and offensive linemen Teven Jenkins and Cody Whitehair are expected to play against Detroit. The linemen on both sides of the ball were all listed as full participants, and will not carry an injury designation.
While it is less than ideal to have so many players listed as questionable and out, Chicago is heading into this game with enough playmakers to put up a serious fight against the 7-8 Lions. Quarterback Justin Fields and the offense should still be able to run the ball effectively, and on defense, the Bears will still have most of their top talent available to hassle Jared Goff and the Detroit air attack.
