Latest Chicago Bears Injury Report Is Even Better Than Fans Expected
The latest injury report out of Halas Hall is even better than what Bears fans were hoping to see.
Because Chicago plays on Monday Night Football against the Washington Commanders, the team deviated from the typical Wednesday–Friday practice schedule this week. The Bears didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday, instead taking a few extra days after the bye to rest and recover before ramping things up Friday and Saturday.
That led to a jam-packed injury report on Thursday — but it’s worth remembering that most of those listings were estimations, not actual practice designations. At first glance, the names were enough to raise some concern: running back Kyle Monangai, safety Jaquan Brisker, and right tackle Darnell Wright were all listed as “did not practice.”
Fortunately, the update from Halas Hall on Friday painted a much brighter picture heading into Week 6.
Full Participants and Key Returns
Brisker, Monangai, Cairo Santos, Jonah Jackson, T.J. Edwards, and Travis Homer were all full participants in Friday’s practice.
So was edge rusher Austin Booker, whose 21-day return window was officially opened earlier in the week. When head coach Ben Johnson announced that news, it was unclear whether Booker would be ready in time for Monday night — but being a full participant on Friday is a strong indication he’ll be active. His return could give a much-needed boost to the Bears' pash rush. They've got five sacks as a team all season and Booker had four on his own in two preseason games.
There’s more good news. Tight end Colston Loveland, right tackle Darnell Wright, and cornerback Kyler Gordon were all limited participants, but each managed to practice.
Gordon already told Bears reporters earlier in the week that he plans to play on Monday night, and there’s growing optimism that both Loveland and Wright will be available as well.
All Hands on Deck for Washington
The Commanders once again look like a legitimate NFC contender. They proved it last weekend with a blowout road win over the Los Angeles Chargers, powered by the league’s No. 1 rushing offense and a formidable pass rush (15 sacks as a team).
If the Bears are going to avenge last season’s heartbreaking loss to Washington, they’ll need everyone healthy and ready. For the first time in weeks, it looks like that might actually be the team we see take the field.