NEWSLETTER
Even though we knew Kyler Gordon going on injured reserve was a possibility, it still felt like a jab. And now, after seeing that his potential replacement didn’t practice on Thursday, I have more questions about what the Chicago Bears’ plans are in the secondary as they enter their Week 2 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Cornerback Josh Blackwell went from being a limited participant on Wednesday to not practicing at all on Thursday. That puts his availability in doubt for Sunday’s Bears-Bucs showdown. Being without their top slot cornerback was already going to be challenging enough for a Bears defense that has a mound of issues when completely healthy. But being without Gordon and a player who was likely to be first up to replace him is a double whammy. Friday’s update will give us a fuller picture, but Blackwell’s injury report status is trending in the wrong direction.
If Blackwell can’t go, then maybe rookie Terell Smith can get a shot. Perhaps Greg Stroman Jr. will step into the lineup. Stroman was a starter in Chicago’s season-ending loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18 back in January. He even came up with an interception during an afternoon in which he played 99 percent of the defensive snaps. Perhaps leaving a good impression in that game will lead to another opportunity starting this week.
As for the rest of the Bears injury report, here it is:
While Josh Blackwell’s status was downgraded, things are looking up for linebacker Dylan Cole. Going from limited participation to being a full go is a good sign. Cole figures to be in a role where he is a reserve linebacker and core special teams contributor. The Bears cut Cole last week as part of some roster maneuvering ahead of last Sunday’s game against the Packers, only to bring him back on board Monday. If he puts together another full participation on Friday, then I imagine we’ll see him suit up with the special teamers on Sunday.
Then again, special teams shenanigans are the least of our concerns when healthy Bears units on offense and defense could do very little against the Packers.
