Thanksgiving football is back, and the Detroit Lions are serving up more than just tradition in their showdown against the Chicago Bears. While the Lions are roaring with a stellar 10-1 record and a dominant offense, the Bears are still finding their footing this season. It’s a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions as the Bears, led by rookie QB Caleb Williams, try to carve out a win against a red-hot Detroit squad. But this game delivered more than just touchdowns and tackles—it also brought an unfortunate injury scare for Roschon Johnson.

Midway through the second quarter, Bears running back Johnson exited the game and headed straight to the locker room for concussion evaluation. In a year where head injuries have become a major talking point, this marks Johnson’s second scare within 12 months. To make matters worse, he hadn’t even touched the ball before the incident, leaving Chicago’s backfield shorthanded. With Johnson potentially entering the concussion protocol, the Bears’ offensive struggles only deepened.

The Bears’ first half was already shaping up to be a nightmare. They went three-and-out on their first three possessions and managed just 53 total yards of offense before halftime. Detroit’s defense clamped down, allowing only one first down late in the second quarter. Add Johnson’s exit to the mix, and Chicago’s offense looked more disjointed than ever.

Meanwhile, the Lions continued to flex their muscles on both sides of the ball. Their high-flying offense, led by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, had already flirted with scoring 60 points twice this season and showed no signs of slowing down. At halftime, Detroit was cruising with a 16-0 lead, leaving the Bears scrambling for answers.

As fans enjoy their Thanksgiving feasts, Roschon Johnson’s health remains a pressing concern for Chicago. His absence is a blow for a team that’s already struggling to find its rhythm against the NFC’s No. 2-ranked defense.

Roschon Johnson’s rocky road to NFL stardom

Roschon Johnson’s journey to the NFL hasn’t been without its bumps—literally. The Bears’ rookie running back has faced challenges early in his career, including a recent concussion sustained in a Week 5 clash with the Washington Commanders. On a promising 10-yard carry late in the first quarter, Johnson’s momentum came to a jarring halt when he collided head-first with Commanders’ safety Darrick Forrest. Evaluated for a concussion on the sidelines, Johnson was ruled out for the rest of the game—a frustrating setback for a player who’d been averaging an impressive 4.9 yards per touch through his first four games.

This wasn’t Johnson’s first brush with head trauma. In Week 10 of 2024 against the Lions, Johnson suffered his second concussion of the season. While details on the severity remain unclear, two concussions in such a short span raise serious questions about his immediate future.

The former Texas Longhorn, still adapting to the RB role after switching from quarterback in college, has shown flashes of brilliance. But his health looms as a critical concern. For now, Chicago must balance Johnson’s potential with caution, ensuring his long-term safety in a sport where resilience meets risk. Could he overcome this? Time will tell.