One of the most glaring issues the Chicago Bears have had to deal with through the first four games of the regular season is the insane amount of injuries to the defense.
Leading the charge was two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who has missed all by a half of football this season with a groin injury. While Johnson is hopeful to be back this season, it's unclear when he will return.
Some other key injuries to the defense include linebacker T.J. Edwards, who has missed three games with a hamstring injury, and cornerback Kyler Gordon, who hasn't played all season with his own hamstring injury. Defensive end Austin Booker had his 21-day window open to practice after spending the first four games on IR with his knee injury.
The one massive concern as of right now is defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. He has missed two practices this week with his knee injury, as Jarrett is in jeopardy of missing the Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders.
The glue that has kept the Bears' defense together through an up-and-down first four weeks
Massive credit has to be given to Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for being able to juggle all these injuries together and keep the unit intact. When speaking with the media on Friday, Allen shared how he has been able to manage the unit despite all the injuries.
"When you have a lot of moving parts, it makes it a little bit challenging," Allen said via Chris Emma. "So, hopefully, we can get guys back, stay healthy, and develop a little bit of continuity within the group. There's something to be said about guys being able to work together for extended periods of time. When you're able to do that, you kind of understand where each piece to the puzzle is going to fit."
Statistically, it hasn't been great for the Bears on defense. They are currently ranked 27th in the league in total defense, allowing 379.5 yards per game.
There have been some standout players who have stepped up for injured players and helped ensure things on defense don't go too much off the rails. Guys like Noah Sewell, Nahshon Wright, and Tyrique Stevenson have proven that they can start if they need to.
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Washington has the best rushing attack in the NFL, so it will be important that everyone on the Bears' defense is ready to go. Allen has had his team well-prepared in the last two games and will be able to do so once again.