The Detroit Lions are getting a double dose of firepower just in time for Thanksgiving.
Both running back David Montgomery and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown are officially active for their holiday showdown against the Chicago Bears, providing a significant boost to an offense looking to make a statement on national television.
After both players were listed as questionable—Montgomery with a shoulder issue and St. Brown nursing a knee injury—their full participation in Wednesday’s practice all but sealed their availability. Head coach Dan Campbell hinted earlier in the week that both stars were trending toward playing, and now the Lions will have their top offensive weapons on the field as they chase their 10th consecutive win.
Montgomery has been a touchdown machine this season, leading the Lions with 11 rushing scores and racking up 632 yards on 145 carries. His return not only stabilizes Detroit’s ground game but also re-establishes the dynamic one-two punch with rookie standout Jahmyr Gibbs, who has already tallied 886 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
Adding a layer of intrigue to Thursday’s game is Montgomery’s history with the Bears, where he spent the first four seasons of his NFL career. This marks his third matchup against his former team, and he’s enjoyed success in the previous two, averaging 6.45 yards per carry and amassing 142 yards with one touchdown. Interestingly, Montgomery has already tasted Thanksgiving victory twice—with Chicago in 2019 and 2021—both times contributing to the Lions’ current seven-game holiday losing streak.
St. Brown, meanwhile, continues to cement himself as one of the league’s elite wide receivers. Despite dealing with a knee injury, he has remained a consistent force for the Lions, leading the team with nine receiving touchdowns while hauling in 71 catches for 747 yards. His precision route running and ability to make clutch plays have been crucial in Detroit’s ascent to a 10-1 record this season.
The Lions’ offense has been firing on all cylinders, and having both Montgomery and St. Brown healthy and ready to go will be key as they look to exorcise their Thanksgiving demons. Not since 2016 have the Lions emerged victorious on Turkey Day, a streak that has left a blemish on an otherwise resurgent franchise.
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Detroit’s Thanksgiving history has been marked by heartbreak, but the team enters this year’s game riding a wave of momentum. At 10-1, the Lions sit atop the NFC North, eyeing a deep playoff run and potentially their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. Snapping their seven-year Thanksgiving drought would be another milestone in a season already full of firsts.
Montgomery’s physical running style will be critical against a Bears defense that has struggled against the run, allowing an average of 122 yards per game. Paired with the explosive versatility of Gibbs, the Lions have the tools to dominate on the ground and control the tempo of the game.
Through the air, St. Brown will look to exploit a Chicago secondary that has been inconsistent at best. His chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff has been evident all season, and their connection could be the key to unlocking a Bears defense that has allowed 23 passing touchdowns this year.
While the Lions are the clear favorites with a 10-1 record, the Bears, sitting at 4-7, won’t roll over easily. Division games are always unpredictable, and Chicago will be motivated to play spoiler in a nationally televised game.
Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. ET, marking the start of the NFL’s annual Thanksgiving tripleheader. For Detroit, it’s not just another game—it’s an opportunity to rewrite the narrative of their holiday woes and keep their winning streak alive.
With Montgomery and St. Brown back in action, the Lions are poised to give their fans something to truly be thankful for this year.
