The Detroit Lions are set to welcome back All-Pro center Frank Ragnow for their Week 16 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Ragnow, who had been managing a back injury, did not participate in practice on Wednesday or Thursday but was a full participant on Friday, as indicated by the team’s final injury report.
Right guard Graham Glasgow also saw limited practice action on Friday after missing the earlier sessions in the week due to a knee issue. Head coach Dan Campbell had initially expected Glasgow to sit out Friday’s practice entirely. Glasgow has been a consistent presence for the Lions this season, starting every game so far. However, he is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game, along with safeties Brian Branch (calf) and Ifeatu Melifonwu (hand). Branch participated in limited practices on Thursday and Friday, while Melifonwu practiced fully throughout the week.
Unfortunately, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin will be sidelined with a neck injury. Although he logged limited practice sessions this week after being designated to return from injured reserve, he is reportedly not yet ready for game action. Running back David Montgomery has also been ruled out as he continues to recover from a knee injury, with hopes of returning during the Lions’ playoff run.
A host of other Lions players, including offensive tackle Taylor Decker, linebacker Trevor Nowaske, defensive linemen D.J. Reader and Za’Darius Smith, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and offensive guard Kevin Zeitler, have been cleared for action and are no longer listed on the injury report.
On the Bears’ side, offensive tackle Ryan Bates (concussion) has been ruled out, while four players, including defensive tackle Gervon Dexter (knee) and cornerback Jaylon Johnson (illness), are listed as questionable. Running back Travis Homer is doubtful due to a hamstring issue.
With a 12-2 record, the Lions aim to maintain their position in the race for the NFC’s No. 1 seed, battling closely with the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings. Sunday’s game at Soldier Field kicks off at noon CT.
