Easier Said Than Done: Despite the Lions being eliminated from playoff contention on Christmas Day, don’t expect Dan Campbell’s team to simply roll over in Week 18.

Nobody knows that better than Ben Johnson, who was the Lions’ OC in 2022 when the already-eliminated Lions upset and knocked the Packers out of contention in Week 18. That game was Aaron Rodgers’ last in the green and yellow.

After all, this is still a Lions team that crushed the Bears, 52-21, back in Week 2. Granted, both teams are much different from what they were 110 days ago. But the big-ticket weapons are still there and still a threat to explode against a Bears defense that allowed six touchdowns last week.

Ben Johnson said Wednesday: “They’re going to come out here and they’re going to fight. I mean, it’s what they do. And so, it’s going to be a good challenge for us. It’s a very good team. This group has talent all over the place.”

On top of that, while the Bears have moved on from last Sunday’s loss, it’d be understandable if some lost sight of the Lions with playoff action guaranteed and on deck.

Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, however, isn’t worried about that.

Allen said Thursday: “I don’t think that’s a challenge. I think each and every week in this league, your next opponent is enough energy and enough time and enough mental process just to focus on that, that thing that’s right in front of you. So, our guys have done a good job of that this week so far.”

Who’s In, Who’s Out? The Bears’ final injury report of the week will be released later today, so we’ll have a better understanding of the statuses for a few of these guys then.

However, Rome Odunze (foot) was again labeled as a non-participant in Thursday’s practice. He hasn’t practiced since he was ruled out just before game time in Green Bay back in Week 14. At this point, I’d say it’s a long shot we see him Sunday, meaning his first game action since Black Friday will come in the postseason.

Josh Blackwell (shoulder) and Luther Burden III (quad) were both upgraded to full participants on Thursday. Burden III’s return is a critical one, especially after a career-best week (eight receptions, 138 yards, one touchdown) for the rookie receiver in San Francisco.

Burden III joined some incredible company as the fifth rookie in Bears history with multiple games with 100-plus receiving yards: Harlon Hill (1954), Mike Ditka (1961), Willie Gault (1983) & Rome Odunze (2024).