The final injury report of the week offered up some new news that brings an unwanted level of intrigue to tomorrow’s Bears-Cowboys game.
As a non-participant for the third consecutive practice, Cornerback Prince Amukamara has been listed as doubtful to play in the Thursday Night Football tilt between the Bears and Cowboys.
The corner, who starts opposite Kyle Fuller, has been held out of practice all week because of a hamstring injury he reported to the team after the Bears’ Thanksgiving win against the Lions. Amukamara played all but one snap in the win at Detroit, and was even on the field for the team’s final defensive play. In any case, being without Amukamara against an offense that boasts Amari Cooper, Randall Cobb, and Michael Gallup is bad news for the Bears defense.
The Bears have options in which they can defend the Cowboys’ receiving corps. For example, slot corner Buster Skrine can be shifted to the outside for some snaps. And second-year undrafted cornerback Kevin Toliver II could see an increase in usage as a boundary corner. The team could also turn to safety Eddie Jackson to play more slot corner snaps. After all, Jackson has played more slot corner snaps this year than he did in any previous year with the team.
And yet, having options isn’t the same as having your starting secondary at full strength. Sigh.
Here is the rest of the injury report:
#Bears Wednesday injury report:
Note: The Bears held a walk-through Wednesday. Participation reports are estimates. pic.twitter.com/bLeVe5gQPX— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) December 4, 2019
Defensive lineman Bilal Nichols practiced in full and will resume his spot as a starter along the defensive lien. Elsewhere, tight end Ben Braunecker and wide receiver Taylor Gabriel are still in concussion protocol and have already been ruled out. As have right tackle Bobby Massie (ankle) and linebacker Danny Trevathan (elbow).
The table is set for the Bears to pull off an upset win as home underdogs. But for it to happen, they might need to overcome the absence of a key starter.