The Chicago Bears know it won’t be a cakewalk going into their opening day matchup with the Detroit Lions. Both games were close last season and the Lions didn’t have Matthew Stafford in either one of them. So the Bears have no reason to feel cocky about their chances. However, it does seem like injuries continue to haunt Detroit’s offense.
With three days left before Sunday, the latest Lions injury update featured two notable names. The first and by far most significant was Kenny Golladay. The Pro Bowl wide receiver popped up on Wednesday for a hamstring issue. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, things don’t seem to have improved 24 hours later.
“Matthew Stafford’s favorite target is dealing with a new hamstring injury three days before the Detroit Lions open the season against the Chicago Bears.
Lions coach Matt Patricia said leading receiver Kenny Golladay suffered a hamstring injury in practice Wednesday that landed him on the injury report.
Patricia did not sound concerned about the injury in his pre-practice video conference, but it was significant enough that Golladay did not take part in individual drills Thursday.”
This doesn’t mean Golladay is out by any means, but hamstrings are tricky things. Especially for wide receivers. Even if he does play, it’s possible he won’t be close to 100%. That wasn’t the end of it though. Another name of considerable importance was also out Thursday.
“Rookie running back D’Andre Swift took part in individual drills Thursday after he was limited Wednesday with a hip injury, but right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai did not practice Thursday because of a foot injury.”
Chicago Bears defense could have two big advantages Sunday
Vaitai was the man the Lions pegged as the replacement for departed veteran Ricky Wagner. A bold decision considering the former Eagles backup has given up 13 sacks since 2017. If he can’t go on Sunday, then the Lions will have to trot backup Tyrell Crosby out to face Khalil Mack. Not the most ideal proposition for an offensive line that gave up 43 sacks last season.
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The Golladay situation would hurt even worse. He is the best player outside of Stafford on that offense. In many way he was the straw that stirred the drink. His 158 yards against the Bears last season is a testament to how good he is. Not having him at full strength (or at all) would be a gigantic blow.
