Remember that meme of Will Smith in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air where he's standing in the empty living room all by himself? That was a real illustration of Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams when trying to figure out who to throw it to among his skill players at practice.
The first Week 9 injury report came out for the Bears, and it was pretty much all bad news for the offense, as six of the seven players who did not practice were on offense. Williams did not have any of his top four receivers, including Rome Odunze (heel), DJ Moore (Hip/Groin), Olamide Zaccheaus (knee), and Luther Burden III (concussion). D'Andre Swift was also out on practice with a groin injury.
There was good news, though, as Williams could at least throw it to tight end Cole Kmet again, as he was limited with his back injury that caused him to miss the Baltimore Ravens game. Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was also back on a limited basis with his shoulder injury that also kept him out of the Ravens match.
Player Name, Position | Injury | 10/29 Status |
|---|---|---|
Luther Burden III, WR | Concussion | DNP |
Roschon Johnson, RB | Back | DNP |
Olamide Zaccheaus, WR | Knee | DNP |
DJ Moore, WR | Hip/Groin | DNP |
Rome Odunze, WR | Heel | DNP |
Dominique Robinson, DE | Ankle | DNP |
D'Andre Swift, RB | Groin | DNP |
Cole Kmet, TE | Back | Limited |
Tyrique Stevenson, CB | Shoulder | Limited |
Amen Ogbongbemiga, LB | Knee | Full |
Is there legimiate concern with the alarming amount of offensive starters out?
Over the last two weeks, Swift has missed at least one practice and would typically be limited for the last practice or two before playing in the game. It feels like the same situation, so don't read too much into that.
Most of the wide receivers should be able to go too, as Moore has been in the same situation as Swift. Burden's concussion won't be rushed and could be the one to see whether he actually plays. Odunze and Zaccheaus can at least be ready to play.
Great news for the secondary as Stevenson was back on the field. He has a new running mate at the slot with C.J. Gardner-Johnson, just getting signed. Those two can start working together and make sure they are solid.
One other note: Austin Booker is off the injury report for the first time since training camp after being activated from the IR. This is good news as well for a defensive line that needs help with the pass rush.
Read more: Bears' revenge game against Joe Flacco in jeopardy after injury update
There's no reason to hit the panic button yet on the offense, but if the next two practices don't show improvement, there's a massive problem in the Windy City.