The 2022 Chicago Bears are far from a fully armed and operational battle station.
But this might be as close as it gets:
Wednesday’s injury report, which estimates player participation in walk-through practices for Thursday games is OUT. And things are looking surprisingly rosy for Chicago’s football team.
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson was a full participant again and doesn’t have an injury designation for Thursday’s game against the Washington Commanders. Johnson hasn’t played since Week 2 against the Packers because he suffered a calf injury during the practice week before the Bears’ Week 3 win against the Texans. A full practice *AND* no game-day designation strongly suggests Johnson is good to go for prime time.We can infer the same when it comes to wide receiver N’Keal Harry. There is no game day designation for Harry after a full participation day at Wednesday’s walk-through practice. Harry underwent tightrope surgery for his high-ankle sprain on August 11 and was once expected to return in November. Instead, things have lined up for Harry to make his Bears debut TOMORROW. According to my calendar, it is still mid-October. This is a wonderful development.Defensive back Dane Cruikshank was a full go in practice and is questionable to play on Sunday. Cruikshank was in on 63 percent of special teams snaps in Week 1, but a hamstring injury in Week 2 against the Packers has kept him out of action for a while. I’m not one to turn down special teams help in any capacity.
All in all, this is the most encouraging injury report update we’ve had in a while. Soak it in, Friends. We’re almost ready for some football.