The Chicago Bears are set to face the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football on Oct. 22 in the Week 7 showdown of the two 4-2 sides.
Despite practicing in full throughout the week, the Bears were at risk of not having cornerback Tyrique Stevenson available for Thursday’s game due to a hip injury.
Tyrique Stevenson Ruled Active After Missing Week 6
However, having released their inactive list ahead of kickoff, the Bears will have their fourth-year pro and starting boundary corner return, as he was not listed.
Running back Kyle Monangai, quarterback Case Keenum, offensive lineman Jordan McFadden, linebackers Jack Sanborn and T.J. Edwards, defensive lineman Jayden Loving, and defensive back Nick McCloud were all ruled inactive for the bout.
Only three of them — Monangai, Edwards and Sanborn — are missing the game due to injury. The rest are healthy scratches.
Stevenson did not take part in Week 6 due to the same hip injury.
Stevenson Return Gives Bears Secondary Dilemma
In his stead, the team utilized Jaylon Johnson and rookie Malik Muhammad II as their primary boundary CBs, with Kyler Gordon and Clark Phillips III the main operators in the slot.
Gordon had an excellent return last week, posting an astounding 95.3 grade per Pro Football Focus against the Atlanta Falcons in a game that saw him sack Michael Penix Jr. three times, causing two forced fumbles; all of which was done in just over 30% of defensive snaps played.
With Stevenson back, the Bears finally have their “golden trio” of Gordon, Stevenson and Jaylon Johnson back to man the secondary.
The main question is whether the rookie Muhammad; who has impressed early on to start his career and has started every game in 2026; will be benched in favor of Stevenson, or if the team decide to keep Muhammad in, or even split carries between the pair.
Bears Week 7 Inactives: Team Gets Great News on Cornerback