Between news of Kyle Long’s move to the injured reserve and uncertainty regarding Akiem Hicks’ return, the news on the injury front has been gloomy. But it wasn’t all bad when Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy addressed the media on Monday afternoon at Halas Hall.
Here are several positive developments:
Trubisky joined the team back on the practice field as well. Nagy says no updates on Hicks for the moment.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 14, 2019
Quarterback Mitch Trubisky (non-throwing shoulder), defensive lineman Bilal Nichols (broken hand), receiver Taylor Gabriel (concussion), and reserve offensive lineman (knee) Ted Larsen practiced on Monday. This wave of positivity bodes well for the quartet of injured Bears, each of whom could return as early as Sunday’s Week 7 game against the Saints at Soldier Field.
Trubisky’s throwing session marked the first day throwing since the injury (to his non-throwing shoulder) occurred 15 days ago against the Vikings.
Say what you will about Trubisky’s shortcomings (which are both plentiful and real), but having your starting quarterback in a position to throw is better than the alternative … as we saw in Week 5.
But it isn’t just the Trubisky news that comes as a pleasant surprise. Getting starters such as Nichols and Gabriel back on the practice field should bring warm feelings on a cool autumn day.
Nichols has been out since suffering a broken hand in the Bears’ Week 2 win against the Broncos. But until it’s fully healed, it sounds like he’ll play with a club on his hand (much like Leonard Floyd did for much of the first half of 2018). Meanwhile, Gabriel, who shared optimism regarding a Week 7 return over the weekend, has missed the last two games due to being in concussion protocol.
As for Larsen, he is back in the swing of things at practice after suffering a knee injury against the Vikings in Week 4 while starting in place of Long. Depending on which direction the Bears go to patch up the offensive line in Long’s absence, Larsen could be in line to snag a spot in the starting lineup. But before we jump to any conclusions, we’ll see how a few of this week’s practices shape up.