NEWSLETTER
If you’re the type who holds out hope until the last flicker dies out, then the final injury report update of the week is right in your wheelhouse.
Linebacker Roquan Smith, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, and receiver Darnell Mooney are all questionable to play in the Bears’ playoff game against the Saints on Sunday. Smith (elbow) and Mooney (ankle) haven’t practiced all week due to injuries suffered in Week 17’s loss to the Packers. Meanwhile, Johnson practiced with limitations all week. It was his first such action since going down with a shoulder injury in Week 14 against the Texans.
In other words, a best-case scenario exists in which the Bears gain three starters off the injury report for the most important game of the year. On the other hand, a worst-case scenario exists in which Chicago is without three key players. I suppose there’s a middle ground where one or two of the injured players give it a shot to play. It is the postseason, after all. And because postseason play doesn’t come around as often as anyone would like, I imagine players will try to push the envelope. If they can’t play, then we’ll have a better idea of how truly serious their respective injuries are for each player.
And here’s the injury report in its entirety:
#Bears Friday injury report pic.twitter.com/bNtV0k1diL
— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) January 8, 2021
Linebacker Josh Woods, who is the next-man-up if Smith can’t suit up, is also questionable because of toe/glute issues. Woods was a full participant in Wednesday’s walk-through, so I’d venture to guess he will be available if necessary. Meanwhile, cornerback Buster Skrine remains out because of a concussion. Skrine hasn’t played since leaving early from the Bears’ Week 13 loss against the Lions.
Save for the obvious, the Bears’ injury and game status reports are as good as they can get.
Go get ’em!
