NEWSLETTER
Moments before the official announcement of inactives, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was going to sit out Sunday’s game against the Bears.
The illness that limited the 2019 NFL MVP reared its ugly head on Saturday, throwing Jackson’s status into question. And while he flew with the team and came to Solider Field on Sunday morning, the non-COVID virus that was impacting him (and other teammates) was bad enough to keep him out of action. Jackson is one of the league’s best quarterbacks and the leader of an offense that boasts the top rushing unit, ranks second in yards and 12th in scoring.
This leaves Tyler Huntley making his first career start at Soldier Field. With all due respect, a Fields-Huntley matchup just doesn’t have the same buzz.
And while it should be obvious how much Baltimore will miss Jackson, Chicago’s football team is also seeing some high-profile names on the inactive list:
Inactives for #BALvsCHI: pic.twitter.com/pzYTvbBb5X
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 21, 2021
The Bears will be without safety Eddie Jackson, receiver Allen Robinson, and defensive lineman Akiem Hicks. That’s two top-flight defensive starters, and a starting receiver who was looking like he was just starting to get in a groove with Justin Fields when we last saw him on the field. Ugh. This stinks.
Running back Damien Williams’ late-in-the-week calf injury was serious enough to keep him out of action, too.
This leaves Darnell Mooney, Marquise Goodwin, and Damiere Byrd at the top of the receivers depth chart. Seeing that collection of names makes me think we’ll see ample two tight end sets with Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham. Otherwise, maybe we’ll get a chance to see Isaiah Coulter?
All hands on deck if you have two hands and can run a route on the tree.
More in pre-gamin’ coming soon.
