Lions’ David Montgomery, Amon-Ra St. Brown Active for Thanksgiving Day Game vs. Bears
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions will have two key offensive weapons available for their Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Chicago Bears.
Running back David Montgomery and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who were both listed as questionable on the injury report, have been cleared to play.
Montgomery’s Return Boosts Lions’ Running Game
Montgomery missed the Lions’ Week 11 loss to the New York Giants with a knee injury. His return is a significant boost to a Lions offense that has struggled to run the ball consistently this season.
In eight games this season, Montgomery has rushed for 409 yards on 101 carries, averaging 4.0 yards per attempt. He also has two touchdowns.
With Montgomery back in the lineup, the Lions will be hoping to improve their rushing attack, which ranks 29th in the NFL, averaging just 97.6 yards per game.
St. Brown’s Presence Bolsters Lions’ Passing Attack
St. Brown missed the Lions’ Week 10 win over the Green Bay Packers with a concussion. His return is a welcome addition to a Lions passing attack that has been led by quarterback Jared Goff.
In nine games this season, St. Brown has caught 67 passes for 702 yards and five touchdowns. He is Goff’s favorite target and has been a key part of the Lions’ offensive success.
With St. Brown back in the lineup, the Lions will be hoping to continue their recent offensive surge. They have scored at least 24 points in each of their last three games.
Lions Aim to Extend Winning Streak
The Lions enter the Thanksgiving Day game with a 4-6 record, having won their last two games. They will be looking to extend their winning streak to three games and improve their playoff chances.
The Bears, meanwhile, enter the game with a 3-7 record. They have lost their last three games and are in danger of falling out of playoff contention.
The Lions will be hoping to take advantage of the Bears’ recent struggles and earn a Thanksgiving Day victory at home.
Key Matchups to Watch
Here are some key matchups to watch in the Lions-Bears game:
- Lions’ running game vs. Bears’ run defense: The Lions will need to get their running game going against a Bears defense that ranks 11th in the NFL, allowing just 107.6 rushing yards per game.
- Lions’ passing game vs. Bears’ pass defense: The Lions’ passing attack will be tested by a Bears defense that ranks fifth in the NFL, allowing just 199.1 passing yards per game.
- Bears’ running game vs. Lions’ run defense: The Bears will need to find success on the ground against a Lions defense that ranks 23rd in the NFL, allowing 122.7 rushing yards per game.
- Bears’ passing game vs. Lions’ pass defense: The Bears’ passing attack will be led by quarterback Justin Fields, who has been struggling this season. He will be facing a Lions defense that ranks 20th in the NFL, allowing 236.1 passing yards per game.
The Lions and Bears will kick off at 12:30 p.m. ET on Thanksgiving Day from Ford Field in Detroit.