The Chicago Bears are in the midst of easily the worst injury crisis of at least the past decade, probably longer. Eleven players had already ended up on Injured Reserve this season for various lengths. That number grew to twelve on Saturday as linebacker Tremaine Edmunds was added to the list with a groin issue. It begs the question of how this team managed to reach 7-3 when half of their defense has been out for long periods. Mercifully, the offense has managed to duck the worst of it, save for one spot.
Left tackle Braxton Jones was another of those names on IR this season. Now his replacement, Theo Benedet, is suddenly in jeopardy of missing Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune shared the key details.
They were two of a handful of transactions announced in advance of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) at Soldier Field.
Linebacker Carl Jones Jr. and running back Brittain Brown were signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.
Offensive tackle Jordan McFadden and tight end Nikola Kalinic were elevated from the practice squad to the game-day roster.
It was notable the club did not activate cornerback Jaylon Johnson (groin) and nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon (calf) from injured reserve.
The McFadden move casts doubt on the availability of left tackle Theo Benedet, who suffered a quad injury in Thursday’s practice and is questionable.
This means rookie Ozzy Trapilo is likely to start in his place. Don’t forget the 2nd round pick was removed from the left tackle competition in the summer because of persistent struggles. Now he’ll be asked to tangle with T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward.
The Chicago Bears won’t make excuses.
Injuries are a fact of life in the NFL. You can’t fight against them. All you can do is pray they’re limited. Sometimes, the football gods don’t listen. The Chicago Bears are missing six starters on defense. Now they’re likely down their starting left tackle as well, who was a big part of their successful rushing attack. Head coach Ben Johnson and his staff have been tremendous to this point, but there is only so much magic you can work before the talent depletion becomes too much.
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Just don’t expect Johnson to lean on this as a crutch. Nothing changes. The Detroit Lions were plagued by a wave of injuries last season. They still went 15-2. It’s next man up. You find a way. Everybody does their job. It doesn’t have to be pretty. It just has to be enough.
