A handful of key members of the Bears are questionable to play in the team’s Week 15 game against the Vikings.
Among the headliners are star pass-rusher Khalil Mack and rookie cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Mack practiced with limitations because of a shoulder issue. It’s the second consecutive week in which a troublesome shoulder has limited Mack. For what it’s worth, Mack played a large snap share last week and had a stellar performance in roughing up the Texans. In other words, it’s a safe bet that Mack will play on Sunday.
As for Johnson, he was out for a third straight practice. Johnson suffered a shoulder injury in the second half of Chicago’s win against Houston. And while a questionable designation provides hope he can play, let’s remember that this is the same shoulder that was surgically repaired before the 2020 NFL Draft. Johnson already has three shoulder surgeries under his belt, so the Bears should think cautiously when it comes to deciding whether or not he should play. Don’t get me wrong. I know Johnson is a key cog in this defense. And I realize his importance knowing the Bears are facing Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. But this might be one of those scenarios where playing it safe is what’s best for the Bears short (and long) term.
Here’s the injury report in its entirety:
#Bears Friday injury report pic.twitter.com/08JRD2dVwn
— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) December 18, 2020
Slot cornerback Buster Skrine is out, as he remains in concussion protocol. That means second-year player Duke Shelley resumes his role in Skrine’s place. This week’s challenge against the likes of Thielen and Jefferson figures to be a tougher one than whatever the Texans threw out there last week.
Joining Mack and Johnson as questionable to play are Deon Bush (foot), Jimmy Graham (hip), and James Vaughters (knee). Akiem Hicks practiced with limitations, but will be a full-go on Sunday. Meanwhile, left tackle Charles Leno Jr. (toe), receiver Darnell Mooney (knee), and tight end J.P. Holtz (shoulder/knee) were full practice participants. So generally speaking, the injury report isn’t all that ominous.
Is it Sunday yet?