As the Chicago Bears prepare for an international tilt with the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6, we now know the defense is going to be without one particular playmaker.
On Monday, safety Jaquan Brisker started reporting symptoms that lined up with a concussion. And, sure enough, that's exactly what it turned out to be.
Because of his concussion, Brisker did not travel with the team to London this week and has officially been ruled out for Week 6 against the Jagaurs.
The Bears defense will certainly miss Brisker, especially due to the fact that he's looked better than ever this season.
Brisker is known to be a do-it-all type safety, but he was credited in giving up six touchdowns in coverage last season. That's an area he needed to improve in, and thus far in 2024, he has done so, giving up zero touchdowns on the season in five games.
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Brisker has totaled 40 tackles, including thrree for a loss and one sack, plus two pass breakups and an interception. The man has been everywhere. Again, this is a big loss but, fortunately, it shouldn't be a long-term injury.
Without Brisker's energy, the Bears will want some extra help from the fans.
Ryan Poles sends a message to Bears fans in attendance for London matchup with Jaguars
On Wednesday, general manager Ryan Poles spoke to the media from London and among topics that included injury updates, Caleb Williams hype and other tidbits, he sent a message to Bears fans in the UK and those who made the trip for this weekend's game.
"Make it as loud as possible. Make it a home game." -- Ryan Poles message to UK Bears fans.
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) October 9, 2024
Jacksonville has become a fairly popular team over in London because they've committed to consistently playing games there for years now. In total, the Jaguars have played 11 games in London, more than any other team in the NFL.
There are NFL fans galore across the pond, but since the Jagaurs have been the most frequent visitor, it's become a home away from home for Jacksonville.
Chicago is going to need every bit of help from the fans over there without Brisker's energy, although this has been a unit that's fed off one another all season long. The fans certainly help, that's for sure. But, the Bears' defense has been an elite unit across many categories through five weeks, and the one thing they have been able to keep up, above all else, is the energy.
Chicago goes for three-straight with a win over Jacksonville on Sunday.