Chicago Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy warned that wide receiver Allen Robinson might be limited in practice this week due to injured ribs, but missing a pair of practices altogether is a bit discouraging.
For the second consecutive day, Robinson did not participate in Bears practice ahead of the team’s Week 17 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Robinson landed awkwardly on a 43-yard catch that led him to go directly into the blue medical tent on the sideline. And while Robinson finished the game strong (six catches and 85 yards is a good day in the office, especially with injured ribs) it’s his long-term health that is more important at this point.
So with that in mind, it’s probably a good thing that the Bears continue to play it cautiously when it comes to his ribs.
As for the rest of the Bears’ injury report, here it is:
#Bears Thursday Injury Report:
DNP: Houston-Carson (illness), Jackson (ankle), Lynch (elbow), Robinson II (ribs)
Limited: Nichols (knee)— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) December 27, 2018
The Bears have been on the cautionary path with Bilal Nichols’ knee since it first popped up, while Eddie Jackson and Aaron Lynch continue to sit out with their respective injuries. While neither Jackson nor Lynch is expected to play this week, the Bears are playing for a bye week that could allow for an extended recovery window for each player. Hey, every bit helps!
On the other side of the field, the Vikings are dealing with a high-profile injury of their own:
Eric Kendricks, Xavier Rhodes Marcus Sherels and CJ Ham again not practicing for Vikings. Chad Beebe also not practicing. Back are Linval Joseph and Mike Remmers.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) December 27, 2018
Cornerback Xavier Rhodes missed his second straight practice. And even though he has played through a groin injury this season, Sunday’s upcoming battle against the Bears is one his team needs him available for because their season is on the line. Rhodes’ grades at Pro Football Focus suggest he is having a down year, but Rhodes has been the Vikings’ top cover corner the last few years and shouldn’t be underrated and overlooked. You never know when a guy as talented as him has a big game in him.
With one more practice left in the week, we’ll see if anything changes regarding the potential playing status of some of the most important players in this game.