Injuries have swamped the Chicago Bears towards the end of the preseason. No fewer than 20 players didn’t participate in their most recent practice on Wednesday. Three of them were members of the offensive line, including 1st round right tackle Darnell Wright. He was spotted at the previous practice exiting with what appeared to be an ankle injury. This came mere days after learning left guard Teven Jenkins would be missing multiple weeks with strains to both his calves. With Green Bay getting closer, the Bears offensive line is a mess.
Thankfully, there was a bit of good news on Wednesday. Offensive line coach Chris Morgan was asked about Wright’s status. While he didn’t divulge specific details, his answer hinted the injury wasn’t serious.
Mason West, a sports physical therapist and host of the Bear Bones podcast saw a picture of Wright on the sideline from practice. The first bit of good news is that there is no walking boot. That indicates no fracture or high ankle sprain. If it’s only a normal sprain, recovery time should have him ready for opening day against the Packers.
Hopefully, Darnell Wright isn’t the only precaution.
West also mentioned the likelihood that the long list of injuries the Bears do have aren’t serious. There is a strong probability that most of them will be back practicing in the week leading up to Green Bay. Head coach Matt Eberflus chooses to play the cautious approach, preventing guys from aggravating injuries during a period of the year it isn’t necessary. Once the real games start, almost everybody will be back. Players work through more aches and pains when the bigger checks are on the line.
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This is welcome news. Darnell Wright is a vital component of the Bears’ offensive line plans. He has looked good in practice and his brief preseason appearance. Losing him would once again put Justin Fields in jeopardy against a defensive front that remains as talented as ever. A quarterback can’t expect to thrive in this league unless he stays on his feet. If Jenkins ends up being the only one not suited up for Week 1, things might be okay. The smart thing for fans to do is keep watch on the injury report two weeks from now.
