The Bears’ first injury report of the week was a lengthy one, as is its Thursday update.
Here is the latest:
#Bears Thursday injury report pic.twitter.com/TuBs2r6A9q
— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) September 26, 2019
Wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (concussion), defensive end Akiem Hicks (knee), place-kicker Eddy Piñeiro (knee), defensive lineman Bilal Nichols (hand), and Kyle Long (hip) did not participate in Thursday’s practice. For Gabriel, Hicks, Piñeiro, and Nichols, it was the second consecutive practice in which they were held out. As for Long, missing practice is a step back and a possible cause for concern.
Last week, Long had practice limitations (but Head Coach Matt Nagy labeled those practices as veteran maintenance days). It is possible that the Bears are easing up on Long, who turns 31 in December. If that happens to be the case, then this should be considered smart player-management by a team that has stressed the importance of long-term player health since making changes to its training staff and bringing Nagy on to lead the coaching staff. Expect Nagy to expand on Long’s status during his Friday press conference.
The Bears received some good news on the injury front, as defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris (glute) and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (tricep) were full participants in Thursday’s practice. Both players were limited on Wednesday, so making progress not he injury report is always a welcome sight. As is being tight end Trey Burton (groin) listed under full participation on Thursday. This represents the first time Burton has been a full-go in consecutive practices during the 2019 season.
And in case you missed it, Hicks’ status probably won’t be determined until the last possible moment prior to Sunday’s game agains the Vikings.