I’ve been in a mental space lately where I’m trying to find silver linings in anything I can.
And that includes the Chicago Bears, who are set to close out the regular season on Sunday at home against the Minnesota Vikings.
Would I rather be gearing up for a playoff run? Sure. But the silver lining here for me is that injury report posts are coming to an end. And that is something I can take solace in as this year winds down.
Right guard Teven Jenkins goes on IR after suffering a neck injury during last Sunday’s game against the Lions. It was only a few weeks ago when Jenkins suffered a neck injury against the Eagles. Hopefully, this IR trip is a precautionary one and Jenkins’ neck injury isn’t a long-term issue. Jenkins was the Bears’ best and most consistent offensive lineman this year. Pro Football Focus had him down as the third-highest-graded guard (80.7) with an 82.2 run-blocking grade that was also the site’s third best.
Joining Jenkins on IR is fellow offensive lineman Michael Schofield III. The Bears signed Schofield last summer to provide depth and experience, which is what he did. Schofield, an Orland Park native, played in 12 games and even made five starts. He was in on a one-year deal. And while the Bears should be looking to make upgrades throughout the line, they could also consider bringing Schofield back to round out the depth.
Cornerback Josh Blackwell also joins the IR, which makes for three roster spots that opened up after the roster shuffling. Filling those spots are linebackers DeMarquis Gates and Terrell Lewis, as well as defensive end Jalyn Holmes. All three players were signed from the practice squad. That also gives them a leg up as members of the Bears’ 90-player offseason roster.
As for the injury report, well, it’s a doozy:
Safety Jaquan Brisker (personal), cornerback Jaylon Jones (concussion), and linebacker Sterling Weatherford (illness) joined quarterback Justin Fields (hip) in not practicing today. In case you missed it, Fields won’t play this week. It’s a bummer because (1) I love watching Fields behind center and (2) I feel bad for anyone who had tickets for the game hoping they’d see him, but if anyone deserves the rest after the year they had it’s Fields.
Long-snapper Patrick Scales (neck) and tight end Trevon Wesco (ankle) were limited participants. The Bears brought a long-snapper onto the practice squad earlier in the week, so that situation might be worth monitoring (if you’re a special teams fiend). Receiver Dante Pettis (head) and offensive lineman Ja’Tyre Carter (back) were both participating fully on Wednesday.
Just two more of these to go. Enjoy your own health while you can.