Chicago Bears: Injury report brings a big blow to Week 1

The Chicago Bears final injury report is out and has one major concern

With the season about to start and only one NFL game in the books, teams are going to likely come out sloppy — especially on defense. Take a look at the Houston Texans defense against the Kansas City Chiefs last night and you will understand what I am talking about. Not to discredit the Chiefs offense, but the Texans defense was downright awful throughout most of the game. Now we will see how well the Chicago Bears defense can come out against the Lions on Sunday.

The problem is, that it looks like the team will be without one of its new stars, Robert Quinn. Quinn’s injury history was always a concern when Ryan Pace signed him. His upside is through the roof and when healthy is one of the better pass rushers in the NFL. Unfortunately, he has not practiced all week and is listed as doubtful for the game on Sunday versus the Lions.

Keeping him on the field has always been difficult though. Over the last three years, Robert Quinn has missed four games. Not bad, I know. However, prior to that, Quinn went two seasons only playing eight and then nine games.

Who will fill in for Robert Quinn and the Chicago Bears?

Now it seems that the Chicago Bears will have to test their outside linebacker depth already and well, that depth is not something to be too proud of. The rookie Trevis Gipson brings some exciting potential to this team. However, we must remember he was only a fifth-round draft pick. Although Pace has fared well in these later rounds, we are not talking about a slam dunk of a prospect here.

Not to mention, this would leave two rookies on the field to start the season who have not played in a live NFL game yet. At least had they played in the preseason, Jaylon Johnson and Gipson would have had time to acclimate to the speed of the NFL. This is not something one can truly achieve in practice. It will be interesting to see if Gipson gets the nod to start or not. He is technically the third outside linebacker on the depth chart, but will the team want someone with experience?

My best-educated guess on what Chuck Pagano and the Chicago Bears will do is use a rotation of Gipson, Barkevious Mingo and James Vaughters. I would expect Pagano to try and ride the hotter-hand so-to-speak. Give each guy some reps and see who seems to be stepping up to the challenge best.

I am not going to lie, this is a big blow to the defense. However, the team can still overcome it. Remember, it’s not like Leonard Floyd was bringing the heat each and every game. The Bears just better hope one of these three proves himself decent.