We’ll get to the full injury report momentarily, but I wanted to throw out what I believe to be a significant caveat before we jump into the deep end.
Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy said Pro Bowl pass-rusher Khalil Mack, stud defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, and Pro Bowl snub receiver Allen Robinson II were held out of practice due to precautionary reasons. As a reminder, Mack (shoulder), Hicks (ankle), and Robinson (hamstring) were full participants in Wednesday’s walk-through practice. So think of today being a rest/maintenance day for that trio when seeing “DNP” next to their names.
As for the rest of Thursday’s updated injury report:
#Bears Thursday Injury Report pic.twitter.com/au60fMk1Yj
— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) December 24, 2020
Cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson (shoulder) and Buster Skrine (concussion) remain out of action. As did tight end Demetrius Harris and safety Deon Bush, both of whom are nursing foot injuries. Pro Bowl returner Cordarrelle Patterson (knee) remains out of practice and “day-to-day” with a knee injury.
A trio of Bears players went from full participation on Wednesday to practicing with limitations on Thursday. Safety Eddie Jackson (hip), left tackle Charles Leno Jr. (toe), and linebacker James Vaughters (achilles) were downgraded. I suppose we should keep tabs on Mario Edwards Jr. (hamstring) who went from not on the injury report to a limited designation. Also worth noting that slot corner Duke Shelley (knee/foot) went from full participation to not practicing. Shelley started and played admirably in place of Skrine last week.
Seeing so many names and “DNP” designations on a Thursday before game day is usually concerning. But I think we’ll have a better feel for who will play on Sunday when Friday’s update drops. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your evening and holiday.