NEWSLETTER
Two of the Bears’ starting cornerbacks remain on the sidelines and off the practice field ahead of Sunday’s game against the Vikings.
Rookie Jaylon Johnson and nickel corner Buster Skrine missed a second consecutive practice because of their respective injuries. Johnson missed time in the second half of Week 14’s win against the Texans because of an injured right shoulder. Because Johnson had offseason surgery to repair the injury before last spring’s draft, it would be wise to proceed with caution. As for Skrine, he remains in concussion protocol for a second straight week. Duke Shelley slid into Skrine’s role, while Kindle Vildor took over for Johnson late in last Sunday’s game. Should Johnson and Skrine continue to be unavailable, expect to see plenty of Shelley and Vildor against the Vikings.
As for the rest:
#Bears Thursday injury report pic.twitter.com/t4mnIv3m3Y
— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) December 17, 2020
Khalil Mack (shoulder) was downgraded from full participation to practicing with limitations. It’s possible this could be precautionary, especially since Mack played a good chunk of last week’s game. This could’ve been a rest day for Mack. But even if it was just that, I’m reserving full judgment until after Friday’s injury report drops. Joining Johnson, Skrine, and Mack as non-participants in practice was safety Deon Bush. It’s another missed practice for Bush, which puts his status for Sunday’s game in jeopardy.
Tight ends Jimmy Graham (hip) and J.P. Holtz (shoulder/knee) practiced with limitations. As did Akiem Hicks (non-injury/resting veteran) and left tackle Charles Leno Jr. (toe). Linebacker James Vaughters appears to be making progress with his limited designation. Vaughters was out last week with a knee injury. And finally, Darnell Mooney (knee) pieced together back-to-back full participation designations.
Overall, it’s not too bad. Sure, it could be better. But considering the time of year, things could be far worse on the injury front. Friday’s injury report figures to give us a clearer outlook on everyone’s playing status for Sunday. Hopefully, more positive news is on the horizon.
