It was initially reported that the Chicago Bears would sign three defensive backs to the roster after a plethora of injuries in the secondary. The team did a little bit more than that.
On Tuesday, the Bears announced multiple roster moves. First, they added four defensive backs to the roster:
- DB Millard Bradford
- DB Mekhi Garner
- DB Kaleb Hayes
- DB Mark Perry
Chicago also announced that they were waiving wide receiver John Jackson and kicker Jonathan Kim. Defensive back Major Burns was also waived with an injury designation. Defensive back Shaun Wade was placed on the reserve/injured list.
Injuries continue to pile up, but panic should not set in yet for Chicago
The wave of injuries began with Jaylon Johnson's leg injury, preventing him from practicing at all during training camp. Rookie Zah Frazier has also not practiced at all, but has been out for personal reasons. Kyler Gordon injured his hamstring in practice last week and did not play in the preseason tie against the Miami Dolphins.
There have been other injuries involving Burns and Ameer Speed, who were hurt and subsequently waived by the team. Nick McCloud (unknown) and Terell Smith (groin) are also injured and out with unknown returns. Adding Wade being listed on the reserve/injured list and the Bears have way too many injuries and issues in the secondary.
One of the most significant issues right now is the unknown. The Bears have not provided any clarity on whether the injuries in the secondary are serious. All indications suggest that starters Johnson and Gordon should be good to go for Week 1, but they might be sitting out for precautionary reasons.
Read more: One play in preseason might have sealed Bears offensive weapon's fate on roster
Since it's preseason, the issue isn't as significant as some might think. If these injuries are still a thing when they kick off Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, that's a whole other story.