Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson offered glowing praise for Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, calling him the most impressive football player he has ever worked with.
Detroit announced Friday that four key starters will miss the game: standout offensive tackle Penei Sewell due to an ankle injury, linebacker Alex Anzalone because of a concussion and personal reasons, safety Thomas Harper with a concussion, and defensive lineman Alim McNeill with an abdominal issue. Backup lineman Trystan Colon is also sidelined after injuring his wrist.
St. Brown, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, is listed as questionable as he continues to recover from knee and ankle injuries. Despite that designation, Johnson said the Bears prepared all week assuming the star receiver would be on the field.
Johnson, who previously served as Detroit’s offensive coordinator, compared St. Brown to the elite players he encountered early in his coaching career. While at Boston College, Johnson once believed linebacker Luke Kuechly was the best athlete he had been around, but he now places St. Brown above everyone else.
According to Johnson, St. Brown combines physical strength, quickness, reliable hands, and relentless preparation.
He emphasized the receiver’s toughness, competitive drive, and willingness to put the team first, qualities Johnson believes are evident every time he plays. Johnson added that St. Brown’s character off the field matches his excellence on it, calling that the highest compliment he could give.
On the Bears’ side, defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has been ruled out after suffering a concussion.
Offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo is listed as questionable with knee and quad injuries. If he cannot play, Theo Benedet—who has already started seven games this season—is expected to step in.
Additionally, safety Jaquan Brisker and cornerback Nick McCloud remain questionable due to an illness that has affected multiple Chicago players over the past week. Brisker did not participate in Friday’s practice.
