Chicago Bears Hit With Another Setback On Eve Of Opener
The common saying goes that the primary goal for every NFL team in the summer is getting to week one healthy. Since the beginning of training camp, it never felt like the Chicago Bears were quite there. Jaylon Johnson missed every practice dealing with a groin injury. Shemar Turner bowed out early with an ankle problem. Now, T.J. Edwards is doubtful for the opener with a hamstring injury. Still, it felt as if the Bears had a good idea of what their lineup would look like.
Not anymore.
Just 24 hours before kickoff, the team was hit with more bad news. Their crucial nickel cornerback, Kyler Gordon, appeared on Saturday’s injury report with a hamstring problem. He is questionable for the game. Usually, when injuries pop up late like this, it isn’t a good sign that they will play. Throughout his career, Gordon has been dealing with hamstring issues, including last month. There is now a realistic chance the Bears will be down three of their best defenders against one of the best offenses in the league.
The Chicago Bears will need others to step up.
Gordon’s absence likely means Josh Blackwell could see action in his spot, presuming he’s healthy enough to go. Blackwell has battled a groin issue. Veteran Nahshon Wright likely gets the nod to fill in for Johnson if he can’t go. As for Edwards, the belief is rookie Ruben Hyppolite will get snaps at outside linebacker alongside Tremaine Edmunds and Noah Sewell. Needless to say, there is a lot of uncertainty in the field for the Chicago Bears. One can’t forget they also don’t have Austin Booker, who is on IR with a knee injury. It feels unfair to ask such a patchwork unit to slow down Minnesota and all its firepower. Yet that is the cold reality of the NFL. Injuries happen. Overcome them or don’t.