The Chicago Bears released their final injury report for Week 4’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, and well, it’s not good news.
Two key starters are set to miss their first game of the season, with veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett sidelined with a knee injury and right tackle Darnell Wright out with an elbow injury. Both are vital to what the Bears want to accomplish on the trenches, and it already adds to the growing list of injured starters.
Linebacker T.J. Edwards is also set to miss yet another game with a hamstring injury.
The Bears’ Plan Could Involve New Contributors with Darnell Wright and Grady Jarrett Out
It’s unfortunate to have both Wright and Jarrett out, but the Bears have some young players who can step up.
With Jarrett out, the Bears have already slowly incorporated second-round pick Shemar Turner in 23 snaps last week against the Dallas Cowboys. The team has high hopes for the rookie defensive tackle, and he’ll have a prime opportunity to show why he was a second-round pick against a struggling Raiders‘ offensive line.
With Wright out, all eyes will be on Theo Benedet as he’s likely the starter at right tackle after filling in for Wright in a series against the Cowboys.
That also means the Bears will likely activate second-round tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who’s yet to suit up in pads this season.
“He’s getting better every day,” head coach Ben Johnson said about Trapilo. “I just made a comment to the O-line coaches this morning how much better he looks in the individual and some of the run stuff that we’re doing on Wednesdays in pads. He’s really showing up. So, he’s coming along, and there will be a point this season where he’s playing for us. Is that this week or a few weeks down the road? I don’t know, but he’s preparing as if he’s ready to go.”
Well, that opportunity might come sooner than later with Wright nursing an elbow injury.
There is Some Good Injury News for the Bears
Not all is bad. Starting slot cornerback Kyler Gordon is listed as questionable for the game after missing the first three games of the season with a hamstring injury.
With Jaylon Johnson sidelined indefinitely, the Bears desperately need Gordon back and healthy to help a struggling cornerback room plagued by injuries.
From a personal standpoint, it’s better to let Gordon sit out this game if he’s not a full go because hamstring injuries tend to linger if the player is not 100% healed.
Other good news is that rookie tight end Colston Loveland and running back D’Andre Swift, who both did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday and were both limited participants during Friday’s practice, are both listed as questionable.
The Bears need this win big-time so they don’t head into the bye week at 1-3, so the hope is these key injuries don’t become a deciding factor that tips in the Raiders‘ favor.
Major Update on Playing Status of Multiple Starters is Not Good for Bears