| Detroit Free Press
Detroit Lions poised for regime-change win against Chicago Bears
Free Press sports writers Dave Birkett and Carlos Monarrez preview Sunday’s Detroit Lions game against the Chicago Bears.
The Detroit Lions thought about placing Kenny Golladay on injured reserve last month, and considering how long he’s been out, they probably should have.
Golladay will miss his fifth straight game Sunday against the Chicago Bears because of a hip injury he suffered in the first half of a Nov. 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Golladay, who is in a contract year, tried to return for the Lions’ Nov. 22 game against the Carolina Panthers, but suffered a setback and has not practiced since.
He spent the open portion of practice earlier this week running for trainers, was a nonparticipant in practice Friday.
Interim Lions coach Darrell Bevell said Golladay is “improving every day,” but offered no timetable for the wide receiver’s return.
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“I love Kenny,” Bevell said. “I mean, he’s always got a good look in his eye, he’s a super competitive guy, he wants to be out there for his teammates, he wants to be out there and playing ball for himself and, I mean, he’s a game-changer for us when he’s out there.”
The NFL leader in touchdown receptions last year, Golladay — who missed two September games with a strained hamstring — has appeared in just five games this season.
The Lions are 1-5 in his absence.
Along with Golladay, the Lions (4-7) ruled defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand out for the third straight week with a groin injury and cornerback Jeff Okudah out with shoulder and groin injuries.
Running back D’Andre Swift is questionable to play as he continues to battle a non-COVID-19-related illness. He was removed from concussion protocol this week.
Matthew Stafford (thumb) was designated questionable, but is expected to play. Austin Bryant (thigh) and Tracy Walker, who did not practice Friday for non-injury reasons, also are questionable. Walker’s wife is expecting the birth of the couple’s first child.
For the Bears, Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks are questionable.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.