In the last week of the NFL regular season, the Detroit Lions face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. This game, significant for the Bears (11-5), holds little weight for the Lions (8-8), who have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
Coach Dan Campbell on Game Strategy
Despite lacking playoff stakes, Lions head coach Dan Campbell emphasizes the importance of finalizing game readiness. He stated that most starters would still play in this season finale, with some exceptions for those dealing with injuries. Campbell seeks to maintain a competitive atmosphere, ensuring that the game feels regular rather than going through the motions.
Injury Updates and Player Availability
- Amon-Ra St. Brown: The wide receiver exited the previous game against the Vikings with a knee injury. Campbell noted St. Brown’s injury as concerning but does not believe it poses a long-term risk. He was classified as day-to-day.
- Taylor Decker: The left tackle has been coping with a shoulder injury throughout the season.
- Penei Sewell: The right tackle dealt with a lower-body injury but managed to finish the last game.
Campbell indicated that if players are unable to perform due to injuries, the next available player—regardless of experience—will step in. This prioritization focuses on getting the best possible lineup on the field for the game.
Chicago Bears’ Playoff Positioning
The Bears are in a different position, as they vie for playoff seeding. Under the leadership of former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Chicago has enjoyed a resurgence this season. Although they cannot secure the top seed, they aim for the second seed, primarily competing against the Philadelphia Eagles for favorable playoff positioning.
The Lions will enter this matchup with the 15th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Their focus remains on building a competitive team for the upcoming 2026 season. Coach Campbell’s intention is to balance player development with fielding a strong competitive squad, maintaining the integrity of the game.
As the teams prepare for this critical game, both sides are looking to solidify their outcomes—whether through assessing players’ readiness or enhancing playoff prospects.
