Chicago Bears Offense Got Loads Of Great News Friday

Not many people are giving the Chicago Bears a chance on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. This isn't a surprise. The division rival is one of the best teams in the NFC at 7-2 with a well-balanced roster that seems ready for a deep playoff run. The last time the Bears went into Ford Field last season, they were blasted 41-10. Most expect something similar to happen. Detroit has too many matchup advantages. Still, they play the games for a reason. Chicago isn't planning to go in there and just lay down.

In fact, they may go in there with the strongest roster they've had all year. The Friday injury report came out and was almost all positive, especially on the offensive side. Justin Fields is ready to go at quarterback, finally healed from his dislocated thumb. Right guard Nate Davis also practiced fully for the third straight time, meaning the offensive line finally has its primary starters in place. Last but not least, running back Khalil Herbert has recovered from his ankle issue and will be activated from Injured Reserve.

The Bears are ready and able to give Detroit their best shot.

The Chicago Bears have every incentive to win.

Several people in the building know it is an important game on Sunday. Since taking over the Bears last year, Matt Eberflus has never beaten a divisional opponent. Fields has only six wins total in his entire run with the franchise. An upset of the Lions would be a massive boost to their hopes for staying in Chicago another year. While Detroit is a good team, they're not invulnerable. Their pass defense has struggled in recent weeks. If the offensive line can keep Aidan Hutchinson in check, Fields should find openings through the air.

It is worth noting that Herbert's return is significant. The Chicago Bears scored 28 and 40 points in the two games where he had 10 or more carries this season. While D'Onta Foreman was solid, his absence was felt in the ground game. They'll need his explosiveness against the Lions' tough 3rd-ranked run defense. If the defense can at least hold them to around 24 points, the Bears will have a shot. Division games are always hard to predict. Sunday will be an educational three hours.