One of the biggest topics of discussion during training camp and the preseason was the overwhelming amount of injuries in the secondary for the Chicago Bears.
Jaylon Johnson and rookie Zah Frazier did not practice in training camp at all, with Johnson dealing with a lower leg injury, while Frazier's status was unknown, but he won't be playing in 2025. Shaun Wade and Terell Smith suffered season-ending injuries themselves. Kyler Gordon also missed part of camp due to an injury.
Things seem to be getting better in the secondary, though, as Gordon did return to practice before camp ended. Johnson is working his way back as he returned to practice and is on his way back to starting in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Even with things improving, there is something else missing with the secondary still banged up entering the 2025 season?
Bears' injury report exposes secondary still not 100% for Week 1
The Bears shared their injury report on Thursday, providing "estimations" of practice status since the team did not actually practice. Many eyes were drawn to linebacker T.J. Edwards, who was listed as "DNP" once again due to his hamstring injury, which now puts his status for the Vikings game in question.
Two other players to focus on are Johnson and Josh Blackwell in the secondary. Johnson was limited, which is good, and he needs to make progress there. Blackwell, however, did not practice with a groin injury, with his status remaining uncertain, just as it is for Edwards.
Player Name, Position | Injury | Thursday Practice Status |
|---|---|---|
Josh Blackwell, DB | Groin | DNP |
T.J. Edwards, LB | Hamstring | DNP |
Roschon Johnson, RB | Foot | DNP |
Jaylon Johnson, CB | Calf/Groin | Limited |
Kyle Monangai, RB | Hamstring | Limited |
Devin Duvernay, WR | Hamstring | Full |
Dominique Robinson, DL | Oblique | Full |
While some might be encouraged by the injury report getting smaller for Chicago, there has to be a lingering sense of the questions being asked about the secondary. It's great that Johnson is back as he is the most important piece to the Bears' defense, but now Blackwell is missing practice? Why are so many players in the secondary getting hurt?
Most will chalk this up as "football is a physical sport, players get hurt." That's a true statement, but the Bears have had multiple players in the secondary come in and out of the building because of the insane number of injuries in the position group. Fans can't ignore that this could be a problem for later down the line in 2025.
The Bears are entering an important NFC North matchup, not 100% even if their players are out there. It might be okay for Monday, but a month or two down the road, it could get worse.
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It's something Bears fans should be monitoring as the season rolls on.