Injury Report: Lions Hope Lingering Injuries Won't Result In Season Finale Loss To Chicago Bears
By Danny Cox
Honestly, the 2015 NFL season was not as bad for the Detroit Lions as it originally seemed like it was going to be. Yes, they started off the season 1-7, but have won five of their last seven. Things have really started looking up, but the turnaround in the Lions occurred just a little too late in the season for their true talent to shine through.
As the final game of the season approaches, the Lions will take on the Chicago Bears in what fans are hoping isn't the final game that they see Calvin Johnson in silver and blue. Rumors have swirled that the All-Pro wide receiver may be out of Detroit after this season, but that remains to be seen.
For now, he is listed as questionable yet again as his nagging ankle injury continues to bother him, but he should still start and play as much as he can. The same goes for defensive tackle Haloti Ngata who has been bothered with a foot injury for the majority of the season.
Rookie running back Ameer Abdullah (shoulder) and offensive tackle Michael Ola (ankle) were both limited in practice this week as well and were also listed as questionable. But they should be able to play on Sunday along with safety Isa Abdul-Quddus (shoulder) and cornerback Nevin Lawson (shoulder), who are also listed as questionable on this week's injury report.
Lineback Josh Bynes has been troubled with a thumb injury and was checked out this week, but practiced fine. He'll be ready to face the Chicago Bears this weekend without issue.
Only one player is listed as out for the Lions and that's center Travis Swanson who has a shoulder injury. He didn't practice at all this week, and the Lions think it's better he sit out as veteran Manny Ramirez will fill in for him. Ramirez has started six games for the Lions this season at three different spots.
Defensive end Jason Jones is not expected to play this week after suffering a stinger in last week's game. He didn't end up practicing at all this week, and it's best he just sit out.
Detroit Lions' head coach Jim Caldwell doesn't want to risk further injury to any of his players, but he'll play them if they are deemed healthy enough to go. Against the Chicago Bears, guys like Calvin Johnson and Haloti Ngata want to make a year-end statement and go out with a win, even if they're hurting.
Probable:
Josh Bynes, LB (thumb)
Questionable:
Isa Abdul-Quddus, S (shoulder)
Ameer Abdullah, RB (shoulder)
Nevin Lawson, CB (shoulder)
Michael Ola, T (ankle)
Calvin Johnson, WR (ankle)
Haloti Ngata, DT (foot)
Doubtful:
Jason Jones, DE (neck)
Out:
Travis Swanson, C (shoulder)
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.