Bears rule out 2 players for game against Lions

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — The Bears have ruled out guard Ryan Bates (concussion) and safety Elijah Hicks (ankle) for their game against the Lions on Thursday.

Bates worked in a limited fashion Monday and Tuesday but was held out of action Wednesday as the team once again held a walk-through. He has played in just three games this season, making two starts.

Hicks suffered his ankle injury during the Bears' loss to the Packers on Nov. 17. The Bears have since turned to Jonathan Owens in his place at safety. Starting safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion) has been out since early October and is currently on injured reserve.

Other than Bates and Hicks, the Bears' injury report was clean Wednesday.

The Bears (4-7) and Lions (10-1) kick off at 11:30 a.m. CT from Ford Field in Detroit.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.