Bears' defense could face another injury-plagued week with two starters down

Under the circumstances of being down three starters on defense in their Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Chicago Bears were able to hold their own defensively, allowing less than 300 yards and had a pick-six. Just imagine if they were 100% healthy.

The Bears are hoping for that, but the latest injury report from Thursday might say otherwise. Cornerback Kyler Gordon (hamstring) and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (knee) did not practice for a second straight day, which is never a good sign.

There were a couple of positives to note, as linebacker T.J. Edwards practiced once again, although he was limited with his hamstring injury. Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson was a full participant at practice for a second straight day and has gone as far as to tell the media that he is anticipating playing on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

Are the Bears heading in the right direction with their injuries?

Johnson's injury update is the most encouraging and the one Bears fans have been waiting to hear. Many thought he was heading towards playing against the Vikings right up to game day, before it looked like he wasn't.

Jarrett and Gordon's injuries continue to be the biggest concern entering the Lions game. Gordon was practicing last week and never showed up on the injury report until the day before. Jarrett is a big part of the Bears' stopping the run in the middle, and he can't afford to lose him.

No one knows whether Edwards will be playing, as he was limited in practice last week as well. Noah Sewell held up well in Edwards' place, but the Bears did have some struggles holding down the Minnesota running game.

Read more: Ben Johnson gets brutally honest about his play calling with Bears' offense

Friday's injury report will be the most important one of the week, as fans will have a better idea of who will be on the field and who won't be.