The Lions ruled out Stafford after tests revealed broken bones in his back, according to reports. Lions backup Jeff Driskel will start at quarterback against the Bears.
Stafford's status came into question late in the week as he practiced through pain. He was a limited participant in practice Friday and was listed as questionable against the Bears. The 31-year-old Stafford has started 136 consecutive games entering Sunday, last missing a contest during the 2010 season.
Driskel, 26, started five games with the Bengals last season, completing 59.7 percent of his passes for 1,003 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. Cincinnati went 1-4 during Driskel's starts. The Lions signed Driskel to their roster in September.
The Bears ruled out tight end Adam Shaheen, their 2017 second-round pick who's a healthy scratch.
Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman is active after suffering a thigh injury in a loss at Philadelphia last Sunday. Goldman didn't practice Wednesday, worked in a limited fashion Thursday and was a full participant in light work Friday.
The Bears' other inactives are linebacker Isaiah Irving (quad), defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson, defensive back Duke Shelley, linebacker Josh Woods, offensive lineman Alex Bars and receiver Riley Ridley.
Kickoff between the Bears (3-5) and Lions (3-4-1) comes at noon CT Sunday from Soldier Field.