The Chicago Bears are back on primetime television for their upcoming Week 9 showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they have more injury concerns than they hoped for.
Chicago is expected to lose defensive tackle Kentavius Street for the season with the knee injury he suffered in the Bears' 34-17 Week 8 win over the Seattle Seahawks. It was also reported that left tackle Braxton Jones is expected to stay on IR after getting surgery, which will be done for the season.
Entering the Buccaneers game, the Bears have several other injuries to worry about throughout the week. Here's a look at the first injury report the Bears released and what to expect from each player.
Bears first injury report before Week 9 showdown with Buccaneers
Kyle Monangai, RB (Thumb/Toe)
Wednesday Practice Status: DNP
The Bears haven't seen Monangai on the practice field in about a month now, as he's missed four games. So far, it doesn't look good for him to be available for the Buccaneers game. The toe injury has been the biggest concern; it doesn't seem to be getting him closer to playing.
Thursday's practice will really tell fans whether he'll play. If he doesn't practice, don't expect him to be active against the Buccaneers.
Theo Benedet, OT (Shoulder)
Wednesday Practice Status: DNP
Benedet was heard in the locker room after the Seahawks game talking about a potential shoulder separation. If that's the case, playing this week could be a long shot for him.
That would be a shame since Benedet has played better than he did last season and is an elite run blocker. Ozzy Trapilo could be in line to make his first start since the Green Bay Packers playoff game last season.
T.J. Edwards, LB (NIR - Personal)
Wednesday Practice Status: DNP
Edwards just came back from the hamstring injury that cost him two games before the Seahawks showdown. This is for a personal reason, so fans hope everything is okay, but the good news is it's not because of an injury.
Chicago still has D'Marco Jackson and Devin Bush to handle linebacker if things trend that way. Edwards is not as much of a concern right now, though.
Grady Jarrett, DT (Groin)
Wednesday Practice Status: DNP
Jarrett left the Seahawks game early with a groin injury, the first time that's happened to him this season. He typically sits out at least one practice per week as a veteran, so it's not overly concerning right now.
Bears fans will have to see how things go because the defensive tackle position is already getting a bit shorthanded with Street out and now Jarrett hurt. It's a good thing they have Jeffery Simmons now, but someone else might have to step up if Jarrett can't play.
Zavier Scott, RB (Wrist)
Wednesday Practice Status: DNP
Scott stepped in as the third running back in the Seahawks game but was primarily a special teams guy for Chicago. He is not dealing with a wrist injury that could hurt the team's depth on special teams and offense.
If Scott can't play, that will hurt the Bears on multiple levels. It could leave them shorthanded at running back, which is already a major headache position with Monangai out.
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Malik Muhammad, CB (Toe)
Wednesday Practice Status: Limited
Muhammad was the only player on the injury report listed for anything other than "DNP." He missed the Seahawks game with a toe injury, but the secondary held up without him.
With the recent struggles of Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson, Muhammad has become an important piece to this secondary, in one of their most consistent coverage corners despite being a rookie fourth-round pick. At this rate, it looks good for him to be back this week.
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