The Bears deliver surprising bad news regarding Jaylon Johnson’s availability for the game against the Lions.

The Chicago Bears may face an unexpected setback against the Detroit Lions in Week 16 due to concerns over cornerback Jaylon Johnson’s availability.

Johnson, the team’s $76 million star and a key defensive leader, missed Friday’s practice due to an illness and was subsequently added to the injury report as “questionable” for Sunday’s game. His potential absence could pose a significant challenge for the Bears’ defense, which has struggled in recent weeks. Meanwhile, the Lions boast one of the league’s most explosive offenses, ranking first in scoring and second in both passing and total yardage.

If Johnson is unable to play, the Bears will likely rely on second-year cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith as starters, with Josh Blackwell and Ameer Speed providing depth. Kyler Gordon is expected to remain in the slot, where he has excelled this season.

The Bears (4-10) are set to host the Lions (12-2) at Soldier Field on Sunday, December 22, at 1 p.m. ET for their final meeting of the 2024 season.

Other Injury Updates
The Bears have ruled out veteran offensive lineman Ryan Bates for a fifth consecutive game as he remains in concussion protocol. Additionally, defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (knee), left guard Teven Jenkins (calf), and left tackle Braxton Jones (concussion) are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.

However, there is some good news: rookie running back Roschon Johnson has cleared concussion protocol and will return to the lineup.

Bears’ Roschon Johnson Set to Return Against Lions

Roschon Johnson, the Bears’ preferred short-yardage back and a 2023 fourth-round pick, is expected to return for Week 16 against the Lions after missing two games due to a concussion. Johnson fully participated in practice throughout the week and leads the team with six rushing touchdowns this season—a career-best that surpasses starter D’Andre Swift’s total.

Johnson’s return is timely, as backup running back Travis Homer, who has filled in during Johnson’s absence, was added to the injury report on Friday with a hamstring issue and is listed as doubtful. Unless Homer makes a significant recovery, he will likely miss his fifth game of the season.

Former Bear David Montgomery Out for Lions

On the Lions’ side, former Bears running back David Montgomery has been ruled out for Sunday’s game due to an MCL injury sustained in Week 15. Montgomery had sought additional medical evaluations and remains optimistic about a potential playoff return, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. In his absence, the Lions will rely more on star running back Jahmyr Gibbs and backup Craig Reynolds to handle the ground game.

Additionally, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck) has been ruled out for Detroit, while guard Graham Glasgow (knee) and safeties Brian Branch (calf) and Ifeatu Melifonwu (knee) are listed as questionable. All other Lions players are cleared to play.