Coming off the emotional high of the 25-24 win for the Chicago Bears over the Washington Commanders to end Week 6, the team now returns to reality that there are some injury concerns.
The Bears released their first injury report ahead of their Week 7 matchup with the New Orleans Saints, and it wasn't the best news. Five players were listed as not practicing, with two being full participants, but four of them are starters on the team.
Player Name, Position | Injury | Practice Status |
|---|---|---|
Jonah Jackson, OL | Ankle | DNP |
Grady Jarrett, DT | Knee | DNP |
DJ Moore, WR | Hip/Groin | DNP |
Cairo Santos, K | Right Thigh | DNP |
Noah Sewell, LB | Concussion | DNP |
Austin Booker, DL | Knee | Full |
Travis Homer, RB | Calf | Full |
How concerning are some of those injuries for the Bears for Week 7?
The one that might stand out the most is Jonah Jackson's ankle injury. Chicago's offensive line finally got into a rhythm against Washington by opening up the running game, so losing Jackson could lose that continuity the Bears have built up front.
While seeing DJ Moore on there is worrisome, Bears fans are just happy he's back in Chicago after having to stay overnight in Washington with his hip and groin injury. He only missed a short time on the field, but played through the injury for most of the game.
Grady Jarrett's being out again isn't ideal for the interior defensive linemen. While the unit played better against the run when they faced the Commanders, he's a key player in the defense, especially in pass rushing and stopping the run.
There might be a feeling that the Bears won't rush Cairo Santos back onto the field after Jake Moody nailed four of his five field goals, including the game-winner, against the Commanders. It is interesting that Santos practiced all week last week but isn't practicing at all now. Some might wonder whether he had a setback in the last few days.
Noah Sewell got knocked out of the game by one of his own players, and he's currently going through concussion protocol. He was instrumental in helping the Bears navigate through T.J. Edwards' absence for four games early in the season.
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Once again, Austin Booker and Travis Homer are full participants in practice, similar to last week. Chicago seems to be cautious with Booker and Homer, as they were not active for the Commanders' game. Could the Saints be the one where they are finally activated onto the gameday roster?