In what is turning into a day featuring an avalanche of injury news, the Chicago Bears’ Friday injury report is out, and it’s a punch to the gut.
#Bears Friday injury report: pic.twitter.com/AdjPZPrIwi
— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) November 19, 2021
In addition to Danny Trevathan (knee injury) going on IR and Khalil Mack (season-ending foot surgery) soon joining him, the Bears defense will be without Akiem Hicks (ankle) this week. That’s three crucial defenders out of the lineup for a unit that has been reeling of late. Perhaps Eddie Jackson comes back for Sunday’s game. That would be encouraging. Jackson hasn’t seen the field since suffering a hamstring injury early in the Bears’ loss in Week 8. Seeing Jackson get consecutive practices (with limited participation) is a step in the right direction. But hamstring injuries can be tricky. And let’s face it, it wouldn’t be wise to rush back a defensive back whose speed is a strength.
On the other side of the ball, another important Bears player looks to be on the outside looking in this weekend. Wide receiver Allen Robinson II is doubtful to play because of a hamstring injury of his own. Robinson’s hamstring problem came up after the Bears’ loss to the Steelers and is severe enough to put his status in doubt for Sunday. Bear Report’s Zack Pearson tweets that Head Coach Matt Nagy mentioned Rodney Adams and Isaiah Coulter as possible practice squad players who could be flexed into the lineup if Robinson can’t go. That Nagy already has that on his mind suggests he is preparing to be without Robinson.
In a sliver of good news, Darnell Mooney (foot), Alec Ogletree (ankle), Damien Williams (knee), J.P. Holtz (concussion), and Cairo Santos (elbow) have no game day designation despite appearances on the injury report. In other words, these players have the green light to play on Sunday, as does Jimmy Graham, who only appears on the injury report as a resting/non-injured vet.
Much like the Bears, we’ll try to piece it all together as we move along with our day.