Injuries have become a massive topic for the Chicago Bears this week, as the team waits to see how a few key starters will play in Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Players like Kyle Monangai, Theo Benedet, and Malik Muhammad have drawn the attention of every Bears fan, with the hope that they will play on Sunday Night Football. So far, practices have been a bit shaky for them, with Monangai not practicing, but Benedet and Muhammad being limited.
How did Friday's practice go, and will they play in the game? Here's a look at each of the injuries that showed up on the Bears' final injury report of the week.
Bears final injury report before Week 9 showdown against Buccaneers
Kyle Monangai, RB (Thumb/Toe)
Game Status: Questionable
Monangai stunned everyone by returning to practice for the first time in about a month, as he was limited and now listed as questionable with the thumb/toe injury. This is a massive update for the Bears, as they could be getting their key offensive weapon back for Week 9.
There's still a lot that can happen over the next two days and since he has only practiced once in the last month, there's a high chance he doesn't play. Still, this shows that he might be back either this week or in their next game after the bye week.
Malik Muhammad, CB (Toe)
Game Status: Questionable
This is now three straight days that Muhammad has practice on a limited basis and is questionable to play in the game. It's looking a lot better for him to be back after missing the Bears' Week 8 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
Bears fans would love to see Muhammad back after the struggles this season with Tyrique Stevenson and Jaylon Johnson. Muhammad is the most consistent cornerback in coverage, so they need him to be back and help out on the outside.
Tyrique Stevenson, CB (Thumb)
Game Status: Questionable
This is a brand-new injury that popped up with Stevenson being limited in Friday's practice and now his status is up in the air. He has been banged up over the last few weeks and seems to have injuries popping up for him.
It certainly adds more pressure on Muhammad to be back on the field if Stevenson can't go. If both guys are out, that leaves the Bears with a massive problem at cornerback with Jaylon Johnson starting and Chicago needing to decide who the other guy will be.
Theo Benedet, OL (Shoulder)
Game Status: No Injury Designation
Benedet was a full participant in practice and is officially good to play in the Buccaneers game. He had injured his shoulder in the Seahawks game, and there were concerns about him playing after missing practice on Wednesday and being limited on Thursday.
This now gives the Bears their top choice at left tackle for the moment. With the injury, there is a chance that Ozzy Trapilo could rotate in again, but they wanted to stop that to give Trapilo more time to heal from his injury in the playoffs last year and to rest.
D'Marco Jackson, LB (Ankle)
Game Status: No Injury Designation
The depth at the linebacker position is on solid ground, with Jackson being a full participant in practice. He was a late addition to the injury report after not practicing on Thursday, but he appears to be in the clear to play.
Chicago's linebacker position has gone through some ups and downs with injuries to T.J. Edwards and Jack Sanborn. Jackson will be there to play for the Bears.
Grady Jarrett, DT (Groin)
Game Status: No Injury Designation
Jarrett is cleared to play as well after fully participating in practice on Friday. He missed practice on Wednesday but was limited on Thursday.
With Kentavius Street on IR, the Bears could use their starting veteran at defensive tackle with Jeffery Simmons. This will mean that the depth at the defensive tackle position is still intact.
T.J. Edwards, LB (NIR - Personal)
Game Status: No Injury Designation
Edwards is also good to play, as he only missed practice on Wednesday for a personal reason. He has been a full participant on Thursday and Friday.
Before the Seahawks game, Edwards missed those previous two games with a hamstring injury. There are no setbacks with him and he can stay in the starting lineup.
Read more: Ryan Poles should trade Jaylon Johnson to (almost) any taker before the deadline
Joe Thuney, OL (NIR - Rest)
Game Status: No Injury Designation
No major concerns here with Thuney, as he had a veteran day off on Thursday. He will be a good play against the Buccaneers.
Add us as a preferred source on Google