The Chicago Bears came out of Saturday’s practice on August 6th with some bad news. Byron Pringle is nursing a quad injury that could keep him out until next month’s season opener. Things then got even worse when N’Keal Harry, their trade acquisition from the New England Patriots, went down during drills with an apparent ankle injury. He needed help to reach the locker, which is never a good sign.
Head coach Matt Eberflus didn’t have any details on the severity of the injury and likely wouldn’t for a day or two. He doesn’t meet the media again until Tuesday. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler decided to fill in some of the gaps. He provided a less-than-rosy update, stating Harry’s injury appears “severe” but is undergoing further evaluation. They’re likely trying to determine if it’s broken or a possible high-ankle sprain.
Bears wide receiver N’Keal Harry suffered an ankle injury that appears severe but is awaiting further evaluation and hoping for the best, per source. Got hurt Saturday. Traded from New England, Harry was working on fresh start in Chicago.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 7, 2022
N’Keal Harry injury may force decisions from Bears.
If the ankle is broken, there is a likelihood Harry will miss at least six weeks of action. Maybe more, depending on the severity of the fracture. If it’s a high-ankle sprain, it is usually a 4-6 week recovery time. Either way, it sounds like the Bears won’t be seeing the big receiver on the field again for at least a month. Probably longer. Together with the absence of Pringle, this may force the hand of GM Ryan Poles.
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Justin Fields needs weapons. He still had Darnell Mooney, but the depth is now a serious problem at wide receiver. It wouldn’t be surprising if the team tries adding another veteran free agent to the mix. Will Fuller, T.Y. Hilton, Emmanuel Sanders, Adam Humphries, and Kenny Stills are among the most notable names out there. The Bears may decide to add a cheap camp body instead, waiting to see if someone already on the roster can step up like a Dazz Newsome, Tajae Sharpe, or David Moore.
Fuller would drop the pen if they offered a contract for him to sign!
Of those available Dede Westbrook and Adam Humpries make the most fiscal and football sense ! Each has had some sound season , are not always hurt at key times like Fuller , and cost is cap friendly again not like Fuller !
Yes, will have to make a splash at receiver, or else defenses will get complacent to stop the run game. Just for the sake of the franchise, Justin Fields–I think he deserves a couple targets. Remember, fans are paying good money to see the games.