The Chicago Bears are set to face the New England Patriots in what many believe is a must-win game for Bears' head coach Matt Eberflus.
After losing to the Washington Commanders and Arizona Cardinals, Eberflus has found himself on the hot season. The noise emanating from the Bears' locker room in recent weeks haven't silenced the questions surrounding Eberflus' job status.
Complicating matters for Eberlus and the Bears is the state of their offensive line. Entering Sunday, the Bears were already without tackles Darnell Wright, Braxton Jones, and Kiran Amegadjie. Making things worse was the sudden scratch of Nate Davis on Sunday morning.
Bears OL Nate Davis, a possible option to start today on an injury-depleted o-line, has been scratched vs. Patriots with a back injury. Was not on the injury report this week until now.
— Jason Lieser (@JasonLieser) November 10, 2024
Davis wasn't on the injury report during the week. Considering Davis figured to be in the mix for the offensive line rotation against the Patriots, it is curious that the injury suddenly popped out.
Full Inactives List for Chicago Bears
Player | Position |
|---|---|
Jaquan Brisker | Safety |
Nate Davis | Offensive Guard |
Braxton Jones | Offensive Tackle |
Darnell Wright | Offensive Tackle |
Kiran Amegadjie | Offensive Tackle |
Darrell Taylor | Defensive end |
Noah Sewell | Linebacker |
Ameer Speed | Defensive back |
Key Absences and Their Impact
Offensive Impact
- With Davis suddenly ruled out for Sunday's game, the Bears only have five healthy offensive linemen. The early guess is that the line will be Larry Borom, Teven Jenkins, Coleman Shelton, Ryan Bates, and Matt Pryor, from left to right. However, an injury could quickly derail the Bears' protection scheme for Caleb Williams.
- This may also be a game where the Bears' utilize their three tight ends in Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, and Marcedes Lewis. While the Patriots do not have a pass rush that is worrisome, the Bears' offensive line, when healthy, has struggled to protect Williams. Including Lewis as an additional blocker may be a scheme that offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is forced to use.
Defensive Impact
- While not officially listed on the injury report, Andrew Billings will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a pec injury last week. Billings was placed on IR earlier this week and there will be added emphasis on Zacch Pickens' role on the defensive line. Beyond Pickens, the Bears will have Montez Sweat and Kyler Gordon back on Sunday.