Chicago Bears week 1 injury report vs Atlanta Falcons
The Chicago Bears look to enter week one with a few players who missed time in the offseason. Who can the Bears expect as reinforcements for opening day?
The Chicago Bears will welcome the high flying Atlanta Falcons to Soldier Field to kickoff the 2017 season. The Bears will be welcoming back a few players who missed time in the offseason. Here’s the official list.
Pernell McPhee OLB: Questionable (knee)
McPhee’s injury history over the past few years reads like a novel. However, it appears that the vaunted pass rusher will be available in some capacity. It should be noted that there is a dispute over how healthy McPhee is. John Fox proclaimed that he is in the best shape of his life while Vic Fangio said he wasn’t the same player the Bears signed in 2015. Regardless, McPhee will likely be on the field for 20-25 snaps against the Falcons
Kyle Long LG: Questionable (ankle)
After weeks of speculation over Long’s ankle, it appears that he will suit up for the season opener. The Bears linchpin on the offensive line experienced complications with his surgically repaired ankle during training camp. Fears over Long’s ankle peaked when he started a fight at practice then went to have a second opinion on his ankle. Despite the heightened blood pressure of Bears fans nationwide, Long put together two limited practices this week and will start on Sunday. Expect a little bit of rust in the early going as Long hasn’t seen game action since week 10 of last season.
Markus Wheaton WR: Questionable (finger)
Chicago’s free agent wide receiver experienced a tumultuous training camp. First, Wheaton went down with an appendicitis, then he broke his finger about a month later. Needless to say, Bears fans are getting eager to see their new receiver torch defenses like he did in Pittsburgh. Wheaton participated in two limited practices. He caught nerf footballs on Thursday and progressed to catching normal footballs on Friday. Expect Wheaton to play in a limited role considering Chicago’s paper thin receiving corps.
Prince Amukamara CB: Doubtful (ankle)
Chicago’s starting cornerback injured his ankle in the third preseason game and hasn’t practiced since. Expect him to be in street clothes on Sunday.
Taken off injury report mid week:
Sam Acho, Sherrick McManis, and Eddie Jackson all appeared on the injury report this week, but were taken off after they logged a full practice