The Chicago Bears injury report is out, and to be blunt, it’s not looking good for quarterback Mitch Trubisky:
#Bears Wednesday Injury Report:
DNP: LB Aaron Lynch (concussion); TE Adam Shaheen (concussion); QB Mitchell Trubisky (right shoulder)
Game Status: Lynch (out); Shaheen (out); Trubisky (doubtful)
*The Bears held a walk-through Wednesday; participation reports are estimates— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) November 21, 2018
In addition to tight end Adam Shaheen and outside linebacker Aaron Lynch being ruled out of Thursday’s game, Trubisky is listed as doubtful because of an injured throwing shoulder. The Bears listed their starting quarterback on the estimated injury report on Monday because of the injury suffered due to a late hit by Vikings safety Harrison Smith in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s primetime win. An injured Trubisky opens the door for backup Chase Daniel to earn his first start of the season.
There was a scenario where Trubisky could suit up as Daniels’ backup and play in case of an emergency, but it doesn’t sound like that’s going to be the Bears’ plan of action. Instead, the feeling is the Bears will now have to promote from within and have a healthy, viable backup for Daniel against the Lions:
Mitchell Trubisky woke up sore today and with less movement in his shoulder than expected, making it likely Chase Daniel will start Thanksgiving Day vs Lions, per source. Bears could activate QB Tyler Bray today to backup Daniel, with possibility that Trubisky now will not dress.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 21, 2018
Bray has been on the Bears’ practice squad since the end of the preseason. He started the team’s preseason finale against the Bills, but returned to the team by way of landing a spot on the practice squad. But it looks like the Bears could soon call on Bray to go from the practice squad to QB2, which means he is just one play away from being The Man under center.
If you’re left with an uneasy feeling, you’re not alone. But let’s share some news that could brighten your mood:
Mitchell Trubisky is nursing a sprained AC joint, per source. If Thursday’s game were Sunday, the Bears believe Trubisky could play and they believe he’ll be ready a week from Sunday against the NY Giants.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 21, 2018
Alright, so I feel better about Trubisky’s health knowing there is a belief that — on a normal game week — Trubisky would have been out there. And if he is ready to give it a full-go when they play the Giants after the mini-bye that comes after Thursday, then it’s all the more reason to sit Trubisky for one game to ensure a healthier body for the stretch run.
Trubisky was on pace for a 3,900-yard, 32 touchdown season with a completion rate hovering around 65 percent and a passer rating in the high 90s. The last thing the Bears needed was a setback for the offense’s most important player. But if he will be OK to start in Week 13, then these precautionary measures to keep him out of action against the Lions should be considered wise moves.