The first Bears injury report after the bye is loaded with impact players who did not practice on Wednesday. And while this might just be a first glance, the impression it leaves me with feels something like a gut punch.
I sure did not miss seeing these while I was away:
#Bears Wednesday injury report: pic.twitter.com/3Gq6GC3NYS
— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) November 17, 2021
Hello darkness, my old friend…
Star pass-rusher Khalil Mack remains out of action while nursing a foot injury. Mack hasn’t played since the Bucs game in Week 7. Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson is still not practicing due to a hamstring injury that took him out of the Bears’ Week 8 loss against the 49ers and kept him on the sidelines a week later against the Steelers. Stud receiver Allen Robinson II (hamstring) and ace defensive lineman Akiem Hicks (ankle) played against Pittsburgh last time Chicago was on the field, but the injuries that popped up in that game are keeping them from participating in the first practice ahead of this week’s game. Also joining the inactive party are linebacker Danny Trevathan (knee) and reserve offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson (back). All in all, it’s a big yikes everywhere you look.
In an attempt to note that it wasn’t all bad on the injury report, let’s point out kicker Cairo Santos (elbow) and tight end J.P. Holtz (concussion) were full participants. Meanwhile, receiver Darnell Mooney (foot), linebacker Alec Ogletree (ankle), and running back Damien Williams (knee) were practicing with limitations. That’s sure as heck better than not practicing at all!
And on a parting note, here’s WBBM-780 AM/105.9 FM Bears sideline reporter Mark Grote sharing pass from Justin Fields to David Montgomery with some zip:
Indoor Bears today. Walter Payton Center. pic.twitter.com/Ev3yaOr31w
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) November 17, 2021
OK, that makes me feel a little bit better on what has otherwise been a gloomy, rainy day in Chicago. Not much better. But it’s a start.