The health of the Chicago Bears' offensive line has taken a step forward on Thursday with the updated injury report for the Bears' Week 10 game against the New England Patriots.
#Bears Thursday Injury Report
— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) November 7, 2024
DL Andrew Billings (Pectoral) and DB Jaylon Jones (Shoulder) have been placed on Reserve/Injured. pic.twitter.com/924LtSGWpR
After not practicing on Wednesday, starting left tackle Braxton Jones was able to practice in a limited capacity again on Thursday. Given the struggles that Larry Borom had against the Arizona Cardinals, the Bears likely are hoping that Jones is able to play on Sunday against the Patriots.
Along those lines, it continues to look like Ryan Bates is tracking to be activated from IR and be active on Sunday. It will be curious to see how Bates is used. Prior to the shoulder injury, Bates was serving as the team's right guard. The shine of Matt Pryor not being Nate Davis seems to have worn off. Assuming Jones is in place at left tackle, Bates could be the right guard on Sunday against the Patriots.
MUST READ: Ben Johnson may have no interest in the Chicago Bears' job
Pryor may still be part of the offensive line on Sunday. With Darnell Wright missing practice once again, Pryor could be an option to start at the right tackle for the Bears against the Patriots.
Montez Sweat being a full-participant in practice on Thursday would suggest he will be good to go on Sunday. The Bears will need Sweat considering the loss of Andrew Billings on the defensive line.
Speaking of Billings, the Bears have officially placed the veteran defensive tackle on injured reserve. The expectation is that Billings will be out for the remainder of the season. In addition to Billings, cornerback Jaylon Jones was also placed on injured reserve. Jones' absence will be felt on special teams' as he was a valued contributor on return coverage.