The Chicago Bears’ latest injury report update now includes a starting member of the defense.
Defensive end DeMarcus Walker’s name popped up on Thursday’s injury report. This is a new bit of information since Walker’s name wasn’t on Wednesday’s report. Walker was limited in practice because of a groin issue. Seeing a starter show up on a Thursday injury report is unsettling. It is especially bothersome when it is someone like Walker, who figures to be a player the Bears will use in a variety of ways along the defensive line.
Last year, Chicago’s defense was at its best when Head Coach (and lead defensive play-caller) Matt Eberflus was deploying DeMarcus Walker as a defensive end on early downs, then situationally kicking him inside on other downs. Playing without Walker could be a major blow. But we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
Should we need to cross that bridge, then it is worth knowing who is behind DeMarcus Walker on the depth chart.
Newly acquired defensive end Darrell Taylor would likely get snaps in obvious pass-rushing situations, but I’d also like to see the Bears work him into spots that could leverage his aggressiveness as a run defender. Rookie Austin Booker flashed throughout training camp and the preseason. He is also on the short-list of “next up” if Walker can’t give it a go. Booker, a Bears’ Day 3 selection, has veteran Montez Sweat excited. And if Sweat is excited, then I am, too. Maybe preseason standout Daniel Hardy will find his way into the mix. It should be all hands on deck if DeMarcus Walker can’t play on Sunday.
Thursday’s Chicago Bears injury report update
Other notes from the updated injury report:
- Offensive lineman Ryan Bates was upgraded from being a limited participant on Wednesday to being a full-go on Thursday. This is wonderful news for Bates and the Bears’ offensive line depth. There was a time when Bates was competing for the starting center job. And while Coleman Shelton has that gig for now, having a healthy Bates makes me feel a little better about the state of the offensive line.
- Wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel), defensive end Montez Sweat (toe), defensive tackle Zacch Pickens (groin), running back Roschon Johnson (toe), and offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie (quad/oblique) all maintained their limited participation status. The expectation is that Allen and Sweat will be available for Week 1. I’ll be keeping tabs on what Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus has to say on Friday when he shares the final injury report update of the week.
- Tight end Marcedes Lewis gets the veteran’s rest day designation on Thursday. When you’re 40 and have been through the rigors of as many NFL seasons as Lewis, then you can have a vet’s off day. Until then, stay on the grind.