The Chicago Bears didn’t hold a formal practice Wednesday. Instead, they conducted a walkthrough and therefore didn’t release an official injury report. However, the team should release its first official injury report Thursday.
Head coach Ben Johnson spoke to the media Wednesday and provided a few updates worth monitoring. Here are the key developments to watch ahead of Thursday’s practice report.
Caleb Williams and the Health of the Team
Every Bears fan wants Caleb Williams to return as soon as possible. However, Johnson made it clear that the team is prioritizing the health of all three quarterbacks. Each is dealing with some type of ailment, whether it’s general bumps and bruises or Williams’ hamstring injury.
“It’s still fluid, but I feel good about the plan that we have in place at this point … We’re going to figure out what’s best for this football team on who plays on Sunday. First and foremost, health is the number one priority for all three guys. I don’t know that any of them are exactly 100% at this point in the season. That’s something that we certainly look at. We want whoever is out there to have a good rapport with the offensive line, with the operation, with our pass catchers,” Johnson told the media Wednesday.
Johnson’s comments suggest the Bears will weigh several factors before deciding who starts at quarterback Sunday, making Williams not an automatic to start on limited practice reps. Practice participation should provide a clearer indication of who is ready to play.
Williams returned to practice in a limited capacity last week, which was an encouraging sign of progress. However, the Bears will need to determine whether he has made enough progress to return to the lineup.
Defensive Updates
Johnson also provided updates on linebacker T.J. Edwards and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Edwards is week-to-week, while Stevenson is day-to-day after suffering injuries in Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers. According to Johnson, neither player would have been able to practice Wednesday.
For a defense looking to reestablish the consistency it showed from Weeks 2-4, these developments aren’t ideal. However, the situation isn’t entirely bleak. Chicago dealt with an extensive injury list last week, including running back Kyle Monangai, who missed the Week 5 game in Green Bay.
Cornerback Kyler Gordon, meanwhile, could soon return to help the defense. He is currently in his 21-day practice window to be activated from injured reserve, giving Chicago another potential boost in the secondary.
Thursday’s practice report should provide a much clearer picture of the Bears’ health heading into Week 6, particularly regarding Williams and key defensive contributors. Their availability could play a significant role in Chicago’s preparations for its upcoming matchup.
