Both Teams Facing Key Absences as Rivalry Heats Up on Thanksgiving Day
As the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions prepare for their Thanksgiving Day showdown, injury concerns are taking center stage, with both teams set to play without several key players. With the rivalry intensifying on one of the NFL’s most beloved holidays, the absence of key contributors on both sides could drastically impact the game’s outcome.
Bears Dealt a Tough Blow
The Bears are entering the matchup with two significant players sidelined due to injury. Offensive lineman Ryan Bates has been ruled out for Thursday’s game after being placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol, and defensive back Elijah Hicks will also miss the game due to an ankle injury.
Bates’ absence could hurt the Bears’ offensive line as they attempt to keep their quarterback protected and establish the running game against the Lions’ defense. Meanwhile, Hicks’ injury opens the door for Jonathan Owens to see more playing time at safety. Owens has already shown his playmaking ability, including a forced fumble in the Bears’ recent loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Last year, he also recorded a forced fumble in the Thanksgiving matchup between the Lions and the Green Bay Packers, showing his knack for making timely plays.
With both teams vying for crucial divisional wins, these absences could prove to be pivotal as the Bears look to build momentum heading into the back end of the season.
Lions Face Key Doubts for Thanksgiving Game
While the Bears are dealing with a few notable absences, the Lions are not without their own injury concerns. David Montgomery, the former Bears running back who has been a key part of Detroit’s offense this season, has been listed as questionable. If Montgomery is unable to play, it will force Detroit to rely on other running backs like Jahmyr Gibbs to shoulder the load. Montgomery’s presence on the field has been a major boost for the Lions this year, so his status could be a deciding factor in the game.
Additionally, Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions’ star wide receiver, has been listed as questionable after dealing with a knee issue. St. Brown’s ability to stretch the field and make big plays has been crucial for Detroit’s high-powered offense. His absence would leave the Lions’ passing game with a significant gap to fill.
Detroit will also be without two key defensive players: cornerback Carlton Davis and offensive tackle Taylor Decker, both of whom were officially ruled out for the game. Decker’s absence will challenge the Lions’ offensive line, while Davis’ absence weakens a secondary already under pressure.
Thanksgiving Day Showdown
As the Bears and Lions get set to square off at 11:30 a.m. ET on CBS, the absences of these key players could shape the outcome of this critical divisional battle. With injuries taking a toll on both teams, each squad will need to dig deep and rely on their depth to step up in these high-stakes moments.
For fans, this game promises to deliver excitement—though it will also come with the uncertainty of how injuries may sway the balance of power on the field. Whether the Bears can overcome their setbacks or the Lions will be able to weather their own storm of injuries remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Thanksgiving Day will be filled with drama and fierce competition, as both teams fight for the win on the national stage.
