The Chicago Bears followed through with their precautionary measures, the ones aimed to ensure the health of two of their best and most important players, and that means pass-rusher Khalil Mack and wide receiver Allen Robinson are essentially game-time decisions for Sunday’s tilt against the Bills.
Mack (ankle) and Robinson (groin) are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Neither player practiced on Wednesday or Thursday, while both were limited in Friday’s practice. This is the same exact plan of action the team executed ahead of its Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets, a game in which neither player suited up for active duty. If the Bears go through this week again and keep Mack and Robinson sidelined, at least the team will be better prepared to use their depth as a strength against an under-manned Bills team coming off a short week (plus, they might be even more ready/healthy for the divisional contests that await them thereafter).
Defensive lineman Bilal Nichols joined Mack and Robinson in not practicing on Friday. Nichols has been slowed this week with a knee issue that has lingered after appearing as a limited participant earlier in the week. The Bears have listed Nichols as questionable and the timing couldn’t be worse for the rookie, who’s seen his share of playing time increase lately.
Offensive lineman Eric Kush was a full participant in Friday’s practice, which might be the most encouraging development from this week’s injury report. Kush missed last week’s game against the Jets because of a neck injury that has put him on the injury report the last few weeks. But with Kush in the fold, the Bears’ offensive line is as close to full strength as it’s going to be with Kyle Long out of the picture.
Joining Long in being OUT this week is tight end Ben Braunecker, who spent the week in concussion protocol after exiting early in Week 8. Tight end Daniel Brown is the next in line on the depth chart, while fullback Daniel Burton could be called onto the active roster to take Braunecker’s place.
Here is the full injury report:
#Bears Friday Injury Report:
DNP: Braunecker (concussion), Long (foot), Nichols (knee)
Limited: Mack (ankle), Robinson II (groin)
Full: Kush (neck)Game Status:
Out: Braunecker, Long
Questionable: Mack, Nichols, Robinson II— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) November 2, 2018