NEWSLETTER
Matt Nagy instituted a “feel Good Friday” at this time last week, and buddy let me tell you that I think we could use another right now.
The Bears released their second injury report of the weak and it’s as problematic as the one the team released on Thursday:
#Bears Friday Injury Report pic.twitter.com/ZBOGUpkLz8
— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) November 13, 2020
Now, we have good news to sprinkle into the mix. Non-injured resting veterans Jimmy Graham, Akiem Hicks, and Danny Trevathan practiced in full. As did defensive lineman Brent Urban (shin/thumb) and linebacker Josh Woods (ankle/calf). But the rest is cringe.
Seven Bears did not practice on Friday. And while we’ve come to expect Mitchell Trubisky (shoulder), John Jenkins (ankle), and Sherrick McManis to be unavailable because of their recent injuries, the others have me concerned as heck.
Tight end Cole Kmet missed out because of his injured groin again. Kmet practiced with limitations because of a groin issue last week, played a season-high 36 snaps (47% of total offensive plays) against the Titans in Week 9, and is now unavailable for consecutive practices. That’s sub-optimal for the second-round pick who was turning the corner in this offense as he received more playing time
Center Sam Mustipher remains out of action with a knee injury he suffered against the Saints in Week 8. Mustipher played through the injury in Week 8, but hasn’t practiced since. Alex Bars held down the fort in Mustipher’s absence, and will need to continue to do so as long as Mustipher can’t give it a go. Nothing like being on your third center at this time of the year.
Another concerning offensive lineman injury to keep an eye on is Jason Spriggs’ knee. That’s back-to-back missed practices for Spriggs, who was sidelined last week after testing positive for COVID-19. Spriggs is lined up to start at right tackle in place of injured Bobby Massie. B ut Spriggs can’t do that if he has an injury of his own. Should Spriggs continue to be out, Rashaad Coward figures to shift from left guard and start at right tackle again. That would leave Arlington Hambright to start at left guard for a second consecutive week.
Allen Robinson, Roquan Smith, Tashaun Gipson, and Barkevious Mingo practiced with limitations on Friday. This could be precautionary, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to worry about it. Saturday’s injury report should give us a better sign as to each player’s status for Monday’s game against the Vikings.
