The Bears finished Sunday's game without two players who started in the team's 26-14 victory over the Saints at Soldier Field. It's unclear whether or not the team will get either of them back for their next game against the Ravens.
Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was officially ruled "doubtful" to return to Sunday's game with a shoulder injury, with just over 10 minutes to go in the third quarter. Just a few minutes later, starting tight end Cole Kmet was also given the "doubtful" designation due to a back injury.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson told reporters at Halas Hall that he'll have more information on Wednesday regarding each player's injury. Still, he didn't seem overly concerned that either player would face a lengthy absence.
"We're thinking more day-to-day, week-to-week, right now," Johnson said.
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There's never a good time for injuries at any position, but now is an exceptionally inconvenient time for the Bears to lose another cornerback. The team lost Jaylon Johnson for what's expected to be most of the season when he hurt himself in Week 2. Johnson had previously missed all of training camp and Week 1 with a groin injury. Backup corner Terell Smith is also out for the year with a knee injury.
That leaves Stevenson and Nahshon Wright to start at outside corner, with Nick McCloud working as the backup. So when Stevenson went down and Wright briefly left the game with an injury of his own against the Saints, the Bears had to get creative with their personnel. The team opted to move starting slot corner Kyler Gordon to the outside to work opposite McCloud, then inserted special teams ace Josh Blackwell in the slot.
Stevenson has enjoyed a breakout campaign so far, working as the team's de facto No. 1 CB. Through six games, he's put up career-best numbers in completion percent allowed (42.9%), passer rating allowed (61.2), and yards allowed per target (6.6). Stevenson also has one interception and one forced fumble, plus a fumble recovery from when he ripped the ball out of Javonte Williams' hands in Week 3.
With more offensive weapons around him and a new pass-catching tight end in town, Kmet hasn't put up the numbers we've seen over the course of his career. With just nine catches for 132 yards and one score, he's on pace to set a new career low for receptions.
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If Stevenson and Kmet can't play, it could lead to more playing time for McCloud on the outside, or the Bears could consider playing Gordon outside and using three linebackers more often. Colston Loveland and Durham Smythe figure to get more tick at tight end, too.