(CBS DETROIT) — The Detroit Lions (12-2) visit the Chicago Bears (4-10) Sunday and are hoping to bounce back from a close loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 15.
The Lions lost to the Bills 48-42 in a high-scoring affair, which snapped Detroit’s 11-game winning streak.
Detroit didn’t just lose a game against Buffalo. The Lions lost some more key players, adding running back David Montgomery, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, cornerback Carlton Davis and special teams ace Khalil Dorsey to a lengthy injury list.
The absence of Montgomery leaves fellow running back Jahmyr Gibbs to shoulder a heavier load, though Campbell wants to be mindful of the number of carries the speedy, second-year pro gets against the Bears.
“We’ve got to use and maximize the reps that we have for him and be careful that we don’t give him too much,” Campbell said. “We’ve still got to be able to be smart with him, but we need him. We need him and that’s the trick.”
Ifeatu Melifonwu is listed as active, according to the team, and is expected to make his season debut against the Bears. Melifonwu has been out since September with an ankle injury.
The Bears have lost eight straight games, and are coming off a 30-12 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Chicago has been outscored a combined 73-20 in the first quarter this season, including 27-0 over the past three games. Opponents have a 53-0 edge in the first half during that span.
Injuries
Montgomery, along with starting offensive lineman Graham Glasgow are inactive for Sunday’s game, the Lions said.
Kickoff is at 1 p.m. Watch for live updates below.