The Chicago Bears were already having to deal with the challenges of a short week as they prepare for a Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions, but they’re also dealing with a slew of injuries ahead of the contest.
On Wednesday, the team announced that a total of six players would be out for Thursday’s game against the Lions, and that five of those players would not make the trip to the Motor City.
Tight end Ben Braunecker and wide receiver Taylor Gabriel will both miss Thursday’s game with concussions after being placed into the league’s head-injury protocol on Monday. Neither player was able to practice this week, and their absences will hinder the Bears’ passing attack.
Right tackle Bobby Massie will also miss Thursday’s game after suffering an ankle injury during Sunday’s win over the New York Giants. Sherrick McManis, who suffered a groin injury in that game, will also miss Thursday’s contest.
All four players will stay in Chicago as the rest of the team travels northward. Tight end Adam Shaheen also won’t travel as he’ll miss the game with a foot injury.
Linebacker Danny Trevathan will miss Thursday’s game with an elbow injury, but was not listed among the players staying behind, so he could potentially be on the sidelines for the NFC North showdown.
For the Lions, quarterback Matthew Stafford will once again be out as he deals with hip and back injuries, and wide receiver Marvin Hall will also miss the game. Cornerbacks Rashaan Melvin and Jamal Agnew were also ruled out.
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A total of six Lions players were listed as questionable for the game, including quarterback Jeff Driskel and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
If Driskel can’t play, then Purdue-product David Blough would make his first ever NFL start in the game.
