Bears coach Ben Johnson: Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown best player I've ever been around

The Lions ruled out four starters Friday: all-world tackle Penei Sewell (ankle), linebacker Alex Anzelone (concussion/personal), safety Thomas Harper (concussion) and defensive tackle Alim McNeill (adomen). Offensive lineman Trystan Colon was also benched with a wrist injury.

Four-time Pro Bowl receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, though, was called questionable as he returns from knee and ankle injuries. Bears coach Ben Johnson operated all week as though he’d play.

Johnson, the former Lions offensive coordinator, was effusive in his praise for St. Brown on Friday. When he was a young graduate assistant and assistant at Boston College, Johnson considered future NFL star Luke Kuechly the best football player he’d ever been around.

“I think St. Brown probably tops that list right now,” Johnson said. “He's just, from a standpoint of as a receiver, strong, quick, fantastic hands, one of the most tremendous work ethics that I've ever been around, extremely tough, willing to do whatever it takes for the team, immense competitor. And I think that shows up when you watch him this season. …

“I can't say enough good things about him as a person and him as a player. I think that's the ultimate compliment.”

Notes

• The Bears ruled out defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, who has a concussion.

• Right tackle Ozzy Trapilo is questionable with injuries to his knee and quad. Theo Benedet, who has started seven games this year, would take his place if he can’t go.

• Safety Jaquan Brisker and cornerback Nick McCloud are questionable with the same illness that has knocked out Bears players for more than a week. Brisker didn’t practice Friday.