As Detroit prepares for its final game of the season against division rival the Chicago Bears on Sunday, the Lions’ latest injury report paints a bleak picture for an already injury-depleted team.
All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell (ankle), veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone (concussion/personal), offensive lineman Trystan Colon (wrist), safety Thomas Harper (concussion), and defensive lineman Alim McNeill (abdomen) have been ruled out for Sunday’s game.
More Bad News for An Injury-Depleted Detroit Lions Team
In addition to the players already ruled out, star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and veteran DB Avonte Maddox, the Lions have listed another seven players as questionable, including guard Kayode Awosika, (T) Taylor Decker, and offensive linemen Christian Mahogany and Giovanni Manu. It’s hard to imagine the Lions locker room has anyone left to suit up on the offensive line.
Earlier this season, Dan Campbell stated bluntly, “I’ve mentioned this before, this train doesn’t stop for anybody. Doesn’t matter who it is or what it is, we’ve got to go. Nobody cares, nobody’s going to feel sorry for you.” But at some point, the injuries become so extensive that they weaken the team’s ability to adequately protect players on the field. When that happens, it could put player safety at risk and lead to a disastrous outcome.
A Devastating Absence For An Injury-Depleted Offensive Line
Sewell’s absence on an already weak offensive line is an incomparable loss. As the only stabilizing presence on an otherwise injured, underperforming o-line, he’s a force of nature. Ruggedly strong and durable with an exceptionally high football IQ, Sewell is known for his elite athleticism. Often called the best tackle in the league, this is only the second game he will miss in his career. Sewell’s ability to protect Jared Goff and open running lanes for Jahmyr Gibbs cannot be overstated or easily replaced.
New to Detroit this season, Colon, a 6-year NFL veteran, began the season on the practice squad. But as injuries continued to decimate the offensive line, he was called into action. With Graham Glasgow sidelined last week, Colon split duties at center with rookie Miles Frazier. His absence further weakens an offensive line depth that is already on life support.
Anzalone, the Heart and Soul of The Lions Defense
Alex Anzalone had an outstanding season for Detroit. The nine-year veteran linebacker recorded 95 tackles with 52 solo, 2.5 sacks, nine pass defenses, and one interception. Anzalone, along with Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes, has been named among the NFL’s best linebacker trios this season. With Anzalone’s contract set to expire after the 2025 season, the game in Chicago could have potentially been his last in a Lions uniform. That would be a truly sad outcome for a supremely talented athlete whose veteran leadership helped build the foundation of this team.
Compounding The Injuries At Secondary
A severely depleted Detroit secondary has been relying on first-year Lions safety Thomas Harper. Despite having limited experience in his previous two years with the Las Vegas Raiders and the Arizona Cardinals, Harper was making the most of his opportunity in Detroit. Appearing in 12 games for Detroit with nine starts, Harper has 37 tackles with 26 solo, 1.5 stuffs, one interception, 5 pass defenses, and a forced fumble. He will be an asset to this team if he returns next year.
Another Veteran Defensive Lineman Goes Down
Admittedly, Alim McNeill’s return to the lineup in Week 7 hasn’t produced the numbers he achieved a year ago when he started 14 games with 25 tackles (17 solo), seven tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, one pass defense, and one forced fumble. Nonetheless, his veteran presence on the field and contribution of 14 tackles (five solo), 1.0 sack, four pass defenses, and one forced fumble helped an injury-plagued defense.
The Biggest Concern For the Lions’
The Lions’ 2025 season is already in the books as a step backwards. Whether Detroit wins its final game against Ben Johnson and the Bears won’t change that narrative. Looking ahead to next season, there is a need to make changes to correct the mistakes made this season. The team can at least look forward to an easier schedule. The draft will allow Brad Holmes to build depth and plug roster holes. He could acquire immediate help through savvy free agency acquisitions.
While it would be nice to go out with a win and sweep Chicago, the odds are against them. There is no questioning the commitment of this team, with St. Brown and Decker vowing to play despite their injured status. This is a team that doesn’t quit. But they are up against a tough opponent. Healthy and strong, the Bears are coming into this game looking to avenge their 52-21 loss in Week 2.
When athletes play while injured, the risk of suffering further injuries themselves or putting a teammate at risk increases. The biggest concern is that a Detroit Lions player suffers an injury that puts their 2026 season at risk. Even before the latest injury report, the battle against the playoff-bound Chicago team, intent on taking over Detroit’s crown as the NFC North Champions, would have been tough. Now, it’s looking like David versus Goliath, and we can only pray that our slingshots will get the job done without suffering any serious injuries.