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Detroit Lions RB Craig Reynolds to play with Justin Jackson (hip) inactive

For the first time since Week 9, Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds will play.

The Lions activated Reynolds, who suffered a rib injury Nov. 6, from the injured reserve in mid-December, after he returned to practice in early December, but he has been a healthy scratch for the past two games.

On Sunday, Reynolds returned to the lineup for the Lions' matchup against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Running back Justin Jackson suffered a rib injury Friday and won't play.

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Aug 20, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Aug 20, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Reynolds, 26, takes over as the third-string running back, behind Jamaal Williams and D'Andre Swift. He has 23 carries for 102 yards, plus nine receptions for 116 yards, this season, without a touchdown.

Jackson, inactive for the first time, has 41 carries for 168 yards and one touchdown, along with 11 receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown. He is the Lions' primary returner on kickoffs, having logged 21 returns for 565 yards.

Punt returner Kalif Raymond could see work as the kick returner.

Other inactive players for the Lions: safety DeShon Elliott, defensive lineman Austin Bryant, offensive lineman Kayode Awosika, defensive lineman Michael Brockers, offensive lineman Ross Pierschbacher.

Safety Brady Breeze, a former member of the practice squad, was elevated to the active roster for Week 17. He will serve as an emergency safety behind starters Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu.

The Bears have seven inactive players: quarterback Tim Boyle, running back Darrynton Evans, linebacker Sterling Weatherford, offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood, defensive back Breon Borders, defensive back Michael Ojemudia, offensive lineman Ja'Tyre Carter.

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @EvanPetzold.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lions RB Craig Reynolds active; Justin Jackson out vs. Bears