Dec 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) is tackled by Chicago Bears nose tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (96) during the second half at Soldier Field. Green Bay won 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
It’s one step forward, two steps back for the Chicago Bears Week 5 injury report. Let’s start with the good news. Alshon Jeffery doesn’t appear on the injury report and Brandon Marshall is listed as Probable. That should provide a list to the Bears passing attack, but they’ll be without a key component of their aerial attack – left tackle Jermon Bushrod. Bushrod suffered a mysterious knee/ankle (is that a knankle) injury in Wednesday’s practice that has him in a walking boot and listed as OUT for Sunday’s game against the Panthers.
More from Chicago Bears News
- Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
- How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears
Joining Bushrod will be Shea McClellin, who’s still recovering from a broken hand and Jeremiah Ratliff, who’s been out the last couple of weeks with a Things were looking up for Ratliff when he returned to practice on Wednesday, but he suffered a setback and has yet to be cleared. Safety Ahmad Dixon, who had a nice fumble recovery on special teams, will also miss Sunday’s game.
Things were also starting to look up for Roberto Garza and Matt Slauson. Both participated on a limited basis on Thursday, but after Friday’s practice, Garza is listed as doubtful and Slauson was downgraded from Probable to Questionable. But in Marc Trestman’s world, Questionable is the new Probable. Just ask Brandon Marshall.
Given the injuries on the offensive line, if I had to guess, I’d say the offensive line will be Michael Ola, Matt Slauson, Brian de la Puente, Kyle Long and Jordan Mills from left to right. Eben Britton or Charles Leno could also be pressed into action if Slauson can’t go.
The Bears defense should be bolstered by the return of Jared Allen, who’s getting back into game shape after a bout with pneumonia last week.