The first official Bears injury report won’t drop until the Wednesday, but the team shared some good news on that front to start the week.
It sounds like rookie safety Jaquan Brisker and fellow first-year defensive back Kyler Gordon are returning to the lineup this week, per Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus:
Gordon and Brisker missed the Bears’ last two games while in concussion protocol. But Eberflus saying both players will be getting clearance is a heckuva good way to start the week. Firstly, because two key players are clearing concussion protocol (which means their head injuries are in a place where each player is well enough to play). But also because of who Chicago plays this week.
That Philadelphia Eagles offense is no joke. And you’ll want to be at full strength when your defense faces Miles Sanders, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and MVP front-runner Jalen Hurts. It won’t be a soft landing for Brisker and Gordon, but there isn’t one to be had at this point of the year. Not when the Bears’ final four opponents are the Eagles (the NFC’s top team), Bills (AFC’s best bunch), Lions (fighting for a playoff spot), and Vikings (the NFC North’s leaders).
There will be a ramp-up period, to be sure. However, it sounds like things are lining up for both players to be back in action this week. Gordon, the first of the Bears’ two second-round picks, has had an up-and-down season. But that tends to happen with rookie cornerbacks. Finishing strong is of the utmost importance to the Washington product. As for Brisker, Chicago’s *OTHER* second-round selection, he has been a solid contributor for the entire season. Brisker has been arguably the Bears’ best rookie. Getting him back in the lineup would be a huge gain.
In the end, what is most important is that the Bears are getting healthy. If they can end the season on a high note and in good health, we’ll all be better for it.