Down Bear: Wheaton Undergoes Pinky Surgery, Langford Returns, Amukamara Still Out, More

The Chicago Bears’ preseason battle against the injury bug continues.

Here’s the latest:

  • Tough break for wide receiver Markus Wheaton, who underwent surgery on his left pinky on Wednesday, per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Fox would not elaborate or speculate on a timetable for Wheaton’s return. It’s been a rough camp for Wheaton, who had an emergency appendectomy done earlier in training camp that could have kept him out of action for a while, but he did return to the practice field sooner than anticipated and was believed to be making good progress. Unfortunately, Wheaton – who was wearing an orange jersey signifying caution during Sunday’s practice – was injured during the last public practice at Bourbonnais and left the field on a cart.
  • Between Wheaton’s injury and Rueben Randle’s placement on injured reserve, the injuries have opened a door for one of the many receivers still on the team’s 90-man preseason roster to make some noise and earn a spot. That means a potential of more targets for Tanner Gentry, Victor Cruz, Kendall Wright, Deonte Thompson, Alton Howard, and others. Thompson led the way with eight targets in the preseason opener, followed by Cruz with six. Tight end Daniel Brown was the only other Bears pass catcher who received more than two targets.
  • Jeremy Langford had offseason ankle surgery, then missed time in camp with an ankle injury suffered during a walk through session. Alas, Zack Pearson of Scout.com’s Bear Report offers up some good news with Langford’s return to the practice field on Wednesday. Langford says he feels good, and not a moment too soon because the Bears’ reserve running backs played well in the preseason opener. Benny Cunningham rushed for a team-leading 41 yards on seven carries, Ka’Deem Carey avergained 31 yards on four attempts (7.8 yards per carry average is pretty good), and rookie Tarik Cohen ran for 39 yards on seven tries. Langford joins a deep and soon-to-be hotly-contested backup battle in the backfield.
  • On the other hand, Prince Amukamara’s update isn’t as encouraging. Head coach John Fox announced the projected starter at one of the two starting cornerback spots is dealing with a hamstring issue. Leg injuries for defensive backs are less than ideal. Hopefully, he heals sooner, rather than later. Amukamara’s status is day-to-day. Aren’t we all? Amukamara left Monday’s practice early, but Fox did not elaborate on the injury until Wednesday. Signed to a one-year “prove-it” deal, Amukamara has been one of the steadiest and most productive corners in camp. He has shown excellent man coverage skills and the ability to break up passes. You’d like to see him get his hands on some more interceptions when possible, but he has been the best corner in camp despite that minor short-coming. If Amukamara misses an extended period of time, Bryce Callahan, Cre’von LeBlanc, and even Kyle Fuller could see some time as a fill-in.
  • written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Fits: Running Backs and Linebackers

    The 2024 NFL Draft begins TODAY. Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, Assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and others will put their heads together to come up with a winning plan for the team’s four picks (Nos....

    Final Bears Draft Predictions & Dream Scenarios For The 1st Round

    We've been talking about this day since the Bears' 0-4 start to last season, and it's finally here. It's NFL Draft day. We know it'll be Caleb Williams at first overall, but what direction will the Bears go with the...

    Rome Odunze and Caleb Williams Have Discussed What It Would Be Like to be Bears Teammates

    If the Chicago Bears end up drafting Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze, I imagine this tweet from Tom Pelissero is going to get a ton of engagement: https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1782905425689522654 In fairness, it already has gotten all sorts of clicks. But that...

    Final 2024 NFL Mock Draft: How Will The 1st Round Unfold In Detroit?

    Draft Day is finally here! We've taken quite a few cracks at what the first round could look like, and this will be the last one before the NFL Draft kicks off tonight! It still feels like a really unpredictable...

    Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Fits: Defensive Linemen

    The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday. Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, Assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and others will put their heads together to come up with a winning plan for the team’s four picks (Nos....

    Caleb Williams Shares Who He’d Take With the No. 9 Pick

    The Chicago Bears drafting Caleb Williams with the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is a foregone conclusion. However, what happens with the Bears' other first-round pick is anything but a lock. One name we haven't discussed much as...

    Happy NFL Draft Day! (And Other Bears Bullets)

    Today is the day we've been waiting for since the NFL regular season ended. It's NFL Draft Day! The Chicago Bears have the first pick. Unless something unexpected happens, it'll be USC quarterback Caleb Williams getting the nod. Now that...

    And Now Penei Sewell Has Signed a MASSIVE Extension With The Lions

    Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is hard at work today! It's fitting that just a day before the 2024 NFL Draft kicks off in Detroit, the Lions have locked up two franchise, homegrown cornerstones just hours apart. This morning,...

    Take a Look at the New Chicago Bears Stadium Renderings

    The Chicago Bears unveiled plans for their downtown lakefront stadium proposal on Wednesday. And as you might expect, it is very kind on the eyes: https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1783185834490888461 The Bears even gave the project a code name — The Burnham Park Project: The...

    Amon-Ra St. Brown Signs MASSIVE Extention With Lions

    We have a new highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL! According to a report from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Lions have made Amon-Ra St. Brown the richest wideout in the NFL with a four-year, $120 million contract extension...

    Latest News

    Dallas Cowboys 2024 NFL Draft Big Board: Potential First-Round Fits Including Tackle and WR

    The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2024 offseason with the familiar feeling of championship aspirations. Dak Prescott is healthy, the skill positions are loaded, but the offensive line, once a strength, is in flux. With the 24th overall pick in the...

    2024 MLB Mock Draft: Wake Forest Dominates First Round

    With the invigorating spirit of a new baseball season upon us, igniting hope and anticipation within fan communities, it's the perfect time to embark on a unique exploration: a 2024 MLB Mock Draft. Numerous mock drafts meticulously analyze potential player...

    76ers vs. Knicks: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks are playing in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs, with Game 3 up next.The Knicks beat the 76ers 104-101 on Monday when they last met. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks in the...

    Donovan Mitchell Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Magic – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

    At 7:00 PM ET on Thursday, in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, it'll be the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Orlando Magic, with Donovan Mitchell needing four trifectas to beat his 3-pointer over/under.Donovan Mitchell's Three-Pointer Prop...

    Caris LeVert Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Magic – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

    On Thursday at 7:00 PM ET, the Cleveland Cavaliers play the Orlando Magic in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and Caris LeVert's 3-pointer over/under for this matchup requires just one trey.Caris LeVert's Three-Pointer Prop Odds...

    Josh Hart Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the 76ers – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

    To beat his 3-point prop, Josh Hart needs to make two from downtown on Thursday, when his New York Knicks meet the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, tipping off at 7:30 PM...

    Jalen Brunson Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the 76ers – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

    The New York Knicks face the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and if the Knicks' Jalen Brunson drains three 3-pointers, he'll beat his over/under.Jalen Brunson's Three-Pointer...

    Donte DiVincenzo Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the 76ers – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

    To beat his 3-point over/under, Donte DiVincenzo needs to make four from downtown on Thursday, when his New York Knicks play the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, beginning at 7:30 PM ET.Donte...

    Joel Embiid Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Knicks – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

    To beat his 3-point prop, Joel Embiid needs to make two from beyond the arc on Thursday, when his Philadelphia 76ers meet the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, starting at 7:30...

    Tyrese Maxey Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Knicks – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

    The Philadelphia 76ers play the New York Knicks at 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and one of the 3-pointer over/unders available for this matchup requires four trifectas from Tyrese...

    more bears news

    Latest News