(CBS-DETROIT) — The Detroit Lions (12-2) visit the Chicago Bears (4-10) on Sunday and hope 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 affairsnapping Detroit’s eleven-game winning streak.
Detroit didn’t just lose a game against Buffalo. The Lions lost several more key players, creating a running back David Montgomerydefensive equipment Alim McNeill, cornerback Carlton Davis and special teams ace Khalil Dorsey to a long list of injuries.
Montgomery’s absence leaves fellow running back Jahmyr Gibbs with a heavier load, though Campbell wants to take into account the number of carries the speedy, second-year pro will get against the Bears.
“We have to use and maximize the reps we have for him and make sure we don’t give him too much,” Campbell said. “We still have to be smart with him, but we need him. We need him and that’s the trick.”
Ifeato Melifonwu is listed as activethe team said, 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 73-20 in the first quarter this season, including 27-0 in the past three games. Opponents hold a 53-0 lead in the first half during that period.
Injuries
Montgomery and starting offensive lineman Graham Glasgow are inactive for Sunday’s game, the Lions said.
The kick-off is at 1 p.m. Check below for live updates.
