The Chicago Bears don’t have much time to mourn their missed opportunities in Minnesota. This week, they have a short turnaround before hosting the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football. This might be the last beatable opponent they face for the next month, with New England and Dallas following. So if they want to keep their NFC playoff hopes alive, this is a game they need to win.
Thankfully it appears the Goddess of Good Health is finally favoring them. Two pieces of news arrived on Monday afternoon. First came the announcement that the Bears activated wide receiver N’Keal Harry from Injured Reserve. It appears he is fully recovered from his ankle injury and ready to help the offense. Shortly after that, the first injury report of the week came out. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson practiced in full. That means barring an unexpected development; he will play on Thursday.
#WASvsCHI Monday injury report… pic.twitter.com/Z9rFpQNDxJ
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) October 10, 2022
Chicago Bears are also getting some help from Washington.
Not only is starting tackle Samuel Cosmi still out with a finger problem but two of their wide receivers are banged up. Top draft choice Jahan Dotson didn’t practice with a hamstring issue, and Dyami Brown is nursing a groin strain. This is a big issue for them, given how much Carson Wentz has struggled to throw the ball at times this year. It might allow the Bears to focus their attention on stopping Terry McLaurin.
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The return of Johnson makes that task much easier. His absence was felt by the Chicago Bears in the Vikings loss, as Justin Jefferson did pretty much whatever he wanted in the first half. That won’t be the case with Johnson back in the mix. His presence should make life much easier for everybody. If Washington can’t pass, their running game will not likely come to their rescue. No game is a gimme for this Bears team. They aren’t talented enough for that. Still, this is one they are capable of winning with such a favorable health situation.
