The Chicago Bears released their first injury report of Week 6 and it featured some much-needed encouraging news regarding two key contributors.
Wide receiver Anthony Miller was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, marking the first time he has been totally cleared since suffering a dislocated shoulder in the team’s Week 3 win against the Arizona Cardinals. Cornerback Prince Amukamara, who suffered a hamstring injury in Week 3, was limited in practice. Still, it’s a good sign to see both of those players in the mix and back with their teammates.
Miller’s return to the lineup is well-timed, seeing as Mitch Trubisky is coming off a career-best six-touchdown performance. Even though Trubisky struggled at times grasping the entirety of the offense, he was still able to build a solid rapport with Miller. If Trubisky’s Week 4 showing was a sign of things to come, it’s not hard to dream on the upside this tandem could have once the quarterback has a full grasp of the offense.
A bit of fear set in when it was announced Amukamara was going to miss Week 4. After all, the idea of all-world Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans going up against undrafted free agent rookie Kevin Toliver II wasn’t all that appealing. But Toliver held his own and limited Evans’ production as the Bears ran away with a win. But still … you’d rather have a healthy Amukamara in the lineup if given the option. If Amukamara can join Miller as a full participant in practice, it would be welcome news.
The biggest surprise on the injury report might have been Eric Kush’s inclusion as a limited participant because of a neck injury. Kush and rookie offensive lineman James Daniels split time at left guard in Week 4, which could turn out to be a good thing for the immediate. Without Daniels’ cameo against the Buccaneers, the Bears could have been entering Week 6 with an untested rookie getting his first professional action on the road. Instead, getting Daniels into the mix allowed the Iowa product to get his feet wet, acclimated to the offense, and prepared to deal with NFL speed. You’d hate to lose a starter to injury, but left guard is one spot where the Bears are prepared with a back-up plan you can feel confident in calling upon.
Here is the injury report in full:
#Bears Wednesday Injury Report:
DNP: Cooper Sr. (hamstring)
Limited: Amukamara (hamstring), Kush (neck)
Full: Miller (shoulder)— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) October 10, 2018