The Chicago Bears released their list of inactive players for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers, and you’ll probably notice one name who isn’t in the group.
Inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski is active for the first time since Week 2, a game in which he left early after suffering a pectoral muscle injury. But unlike Jerrell Freeman’s injury, Kwiatkoski didn’t have to be placed on injured reserve. Kwiatkoski has been on the road to recovery since and has slowly been upgraded in recent weeks. His inclusion on the active 46-man game day roster says a lot about how he has progressed.
As for the players who are on today’s inactive list, the Bears will be without a pair of special team standouts. Running back Benny Cunningham suffered a hamstring injury against the Baltimore Ravens, which is keeping him out of the game. Cornerback Sherrick McManis also has a lingering hamstring injury that put him on the inactive list. The Bears’ special teams captain was definitely missed when the group allowed two return touchdowns to give the Ravens new life when their offense was unable to get anything going.
Center Hroniss Grasu, defensive lineman John Jenkins, quarterback Mark Sanchez, linebacker John Timu, and receiver Markus Wheaton are also inactive for Sunday’s game.