I did a double-take when I saw Thursday’s injury report release because it looked longer than what came out on Wednesday.
As it turns out, my eyes did not deceive me. And there isn’t a ton of good news to report:
It isn’t a good sign to see the injury grow from one day to the next.
Let’s dissect:
- Another missed practice for starting running back David Montgomery isn’t unexpected. But just because we saw it coming doesn’t make it any less bothersome. Yes, Khalil Herbert has been strong in a pinch. And if he keeps this up, he’ll soon carve out a case to be the team’s long-term starting running back. However, if the Bears continue to rely heavily on the ground game, having the 1-2 punch of Montgomery-Herbert would greatly help matters. Nevertheless, there is no good reason to rush Montgomery back into action. In other words, get ready to see DNP next to his name for the foreseeable future.
- Joining Montgomery with DNPs next to their names are cornerback Jaylon Johnson (quad), pass-rusher Robert Quinn (illness), kicker Cairo Santos (personal), linebacker Matt Adams (hamstring), safety Dane Cruikshank (hamstring), and tight end Ryan Griffin (Achilles). Hoo boy! That’s a lengthy list of notable names, particularly at the top with starters at cornerback (Johnson), Quinn (defensive end), and the offense’s other most valuable asset (Santos). Seeing Griffin get downgraded from limited counts as a setback as he tries to make it back from an Achilles injury suffered during Packers Week.
- I suppose a second consecutive “limited” practice for linebacker Roquan Smith isn’t the worst thing to see. But it is still concerning, seeing that a hip injury knocked him out of practice last week. It would be encouraging to see Roquan back on the practice field. However, we just saw him put up a bonkers week against the Texans despite minimal practice. In other words, I trust Smith to produce (so long as he is healthy enough to play).
- Another practice with limitations for Velus Jones Jr. is nice to see, too. But I would feel better about him making his NFL debut on Sunday against the Giants if he could put together one “full” practice.
One more practice report is coming tomorrow. And I’m hoping for a turnaround after today’s mess.