The last thing the Bears wanted was a Week 17 injury to deal with, but two key contributors have already been sidelined in the early going of their game against the Vikings.
Here is the update regarding injuries that have begun to pile up:
#Bears injury update:
WR Anthony Miller (shoulder, questionable)
WR Cordarrelle Patterson (concussion, out)— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) December 29, 2019
Cordarelle Patterson was removed from the game and placed into concussion protocol. Jennifer Hale of FOX-TV reports Patterson has failed the concussion test, and has been ruled out for the rest of the game. It looked as if the Bears wanted to get Patterson more involved in the offense on Sunday, mixing him in the backfield and putting him in space. But a first-half concussion has put an end to his 2019 season.
Meanwhile, Anthony Miller suffered a shoulder injury and is questionable to return in the second half. Miller suffered the injury while playing Patterson’s role as a kick returner. Miller took a hard hit to his left shoulder, which is notable because it was his left shoulder that was surgically repaired after last season ended. A problematic shoulder could ultimately limit Miller if it keeps popping up, so let’s keep an eye on that moving forward. Things have been heating up for Miller in the second half of the year, but it is possible the shoulder issue will keep him sidelined for the rest of the game should the team decide to play it cautiously for the final quarters of the year.