NEWSLETTER
There is a mixed bag of news on the Chicago Bears injury report, but let’s start with some good vibes while we have a moment:
Anthony Miller and Aaron Lynch returned to #Bears practice today.
— Arthur Arkush (@ArthurArkush) August 26, 2019
Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy told reporters at Halas Hall that wide receiver Anthony Miller and outside linebacker Aaron Lynch returned to practice on Monday. Both practiced in a limited fashion, but news of their return (even in a limited capacity) represents an encouraging development for a pair of key contributors who figure to play a major role in the Bears’ 2019 season.
Miller suffered a right ankle sprain 16 days ago in the final public training camp practice at Bourbonnais. The injury has sidelined him since early August, but Nagy maintains a certain amount of confidence that the second-year receiver will be ready for the regular season opener on September 5. As for Lynch, he has been out of action since a shoulder problem nagged him in early August and has since kept him off the practice field. These are important first steps for both players to take as they advance toward the start of the regular season, and we are glad they have been taken. Onward, gentlemen!
Unfortunately, the news on the injury report isn’t all good:
Bears OT T.J. Clemmings suffered a season-ending right quadriceps injury Saturday. OT Rashaad Coward (elbow) remains out. If you're the type that freaks out about swing tackle instability, this is your cue.
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) August 26, 2019
Offensive tackle T.J. Clemmings suffered a quadriceps injury in Saturday’s preseason win against the Colts, and it will cause him to miss the entire regular season.
It’s a tough break for Clemmings, who was playing to position himself into the Bears’ backup plans and possibly a place where he could snag a spot on the season-opening 53-man roster. Chicago’s tackle play throughout the preseason has left something to be desired, so a strong stretch to end the preseason could have helped Clemmings make his case. Instead, his year has come to an end before it could really get started. Meanwhile, Rashaad Coward’s elbow injury remains problematic enough to keep him out of practice again. Coward spent the entire 2018 season on the 53-man roster, but never appeared in a game. Depending on how his recovery is going, we could see Coward open the season on injured reserve, which could open up a spot for someone else to hold it down in the meantime.
With Chicago’s tackle situation in flux, the team played undrafted rookie Alex Bars at tackle and claimed offensive lineman Tommy Doles on waivers to add depth to a group that needs it. And with roster cut-down date approaching on Saturday and the waiver period to open up on Sunday, the offensive line is a place to keep an eye on for movement in the next week or so.
