The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a challenging matchup against the New England Patriots this Sunday at Soldier Field, but they will do so without two key players on their offensive line. Left tackle Braxton Jones and right tackle Darnell Wright have both been ruled out due to injuries, raising concerns about the team's ability to protect their quarterback and establish a strong running game.
Key Takeaways
- Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright will miss the game due to knee injuries.
- Backup tackle Kiran Amegadjie is also out, but Ryan Bates will return from injured reserve.
- Safety Jaquan Brisker remains in concussion protocol, while Kyler Gordon and Terell Smith are set to play.
- Pro Bowl pass rusher Montez Sweat returns after missing last week's game.
Offensive Line Challenges
The Bears will face the Patriots without their starting tackles, which poses a significant challenge for the offensive line. Braxton Jones, who has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury against the Commanders on October 27, did not practice this week. Darnell Wright, who injured his knee during the fourth quarter of last week's game against the Cardinals, also missed practice entirely.
Head Coach Matt Eberflus expressed concern about the timing of their recovery, stating, "They just didn't have enough time to get back to where we needed them to be."
In addition to Jones and Wright, backup tackle Kiran Amegadjie is also out due to a calf injury. However, the Bears will welcome back veteran guard/center Ryan Bates, who has been activated from injured reserve. Bates expressed his eagerness to return, saying, "I feel great. It's nice to be back, like I said, playing football. I was driving myself crazy being on IR."
Defensive Line Update
On the defensive side, the Bears will see the return of Pro Bowl pass rusher Montez Sweat, who missed last week's game due to a shin injury. His presence is expected to bolster the defensive line as they prepare to face the Patriots.
However, defensive end Darrell Taylor is listed as questionable after limited participation in practice this week. Linebacker Noah Sewell is also questionable, while guard Teven Jenkins has been a full participant and is expected to play.
Secondary Status
In the secondary, safety Jaquan Brisker remains in concussion protocol and will miss his fourth consecutive game. On a positive note, nickel back Kyler Gordon and cornerback Terell Smith have both fully participated in practice and are set to play against the Patriots.
Eberflus praised the performance of backup cornerbacks Reddy Steward and Josh Blackwell during Gordon's absence, but he is excited to have Gordon back on the field, highlighting his dynamic playmaking ability and energy.
Conclusion
As the Bears prepare for their matchup against the Patriots, the absence of key offensive linemen presents a significant hurdle. With the return of Ryan Bates and the potential impact of Montez Sweat on defense, the team will need to adapt quickly to maintain their competitive edge. Fans will be watching closely to see how the Bears navigate these challenges on Sunday.
