NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Bears shared their final injury report update of the week, and it features a mixed bag.
Let’s get into it:
#Bears Friday Injury Report pic.twitter.com/g5MbXUP6T0
— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) October 30, 2020
Center Cody Whitehair will not play on Sunday because of a calf injury he suffered during the Bears’ loss to the Rams on Monday Night Football. Earlier in the week, Head Coach Matt Nagy said he didn’t believe Whitehair’s injury would be a long-term issue. However, it’s clearly enough of one to keep him out of action against New Orleans. This means Sam Mustipher, who took 26 snaps in Whitehair’s place on MNF, gets the nod to make his first career start.
Receiver Allen Robinson (concussion) remained out of practice. Robinson remains in concussion protocol and is questionable to play against the Saints. I reckon the word on Robinson will go down to the wire.
Elsewhere on the injury report are a pair of notable upgrades to key players. Pass-rusher Khalil Mack practiced with limitations because of an ankle injury. That counts as an improvement after missing the first two practices of the week. Returner/running back/receiver/lead recruiter Cordarrelle Patterson (quad) was also upgraded to limited participation. Patterson is questionable to play.
In more encouraging news, safety Eddie Jackson (knee) and defensive back Sherrick McManis (hamstring) were both a full-go. Both had limitations on practice earlier in the week and are questionable to play. In total, the Bears have five players who are “questionable” to suit up on Sunday. That’s a lot, but it’s better than the alternative of having another five players out of action.
I imagine anyone who can will give it a try to get out there on Sunday. Beating the Saints with a fully rested and healthy squad is challenging enough. Doing it short-handed after a quick turnaround makes it all the more tougher.
UPDATE: The Saints aren’t playing with a full deck either:
Saints’ WR Michael Thomas is out Sunday vs. Bears.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 30, 2020
Michael Thomas, who hasn’t played since Week 1 because of injuries and an incident where he punched a teammate, is OUT for Sunday’s game against the Bears.
