The Chicago Bears' secondary has been taking their licks during training camp and preseason with injuries which has prompted the team to make multiple signings.
Bears' general manager Ryan Poles went to work with the signings of cornerbacks Kaleb Hayes and Mekhi Garner, as well as safety Mark Perry. The Bears shared on Monday that they had waived with an injury designation defensive back Ameer Speed.
That's the latest injury that has popped up in training camp. Even before camp began, starting cornerback Jaylon Johnson was out with an injury that he has yet to recover from, but is expected to still be back for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. Slot corner Kyler Gordon has also been banged up, but should be good to go for the opening week as well.
During the preseason tie against the Miami Dolphins, safety Major Burns (calf) and cornerback Terrel Smith (groin) got hurt. Bears head coach Ben Johnson did not give an update on how severe those injuries were.
Big trouble in Chicago or non-factors for now?
It's never ideal to have multiple defensive backs get signed onto the team, especially since it was reported that eight defensive backs came in for a workout before the signings happened. The majority of the injuries, though, appear to not be serious enough to affect the team going into the regular season.
Chicago certainly proved against Miami that the team has plenty of depth in the secondary. Backups like Nahshon Wright, Alex Cook, and Josh Blackwell made nice plays throughout the game.
For the time being, the signings will be beneficial in providing the Bears with the depth needed to navigate the preseason. The panic button shouldn't be hit until the regular season starts, and multiple players who are still out are not playing.
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It should be all okay for Bears. Let's see what happens just before the Vikings game in less than a month.