The Chicago Bears are staring down a Sunday afternoon clash with the Minnesota Vikings, and their offensive line just got absolutely rocked. Starting right tackle Darnell Wright did not participate in Wednesday’s practice due to a knee injury, a fresh concern after he played every snap against the Panthers. This is a massive blow, because Wright is arguably their best offensive lineman, and if he can’t go Sunday, the Bears’ protection plans are going to look a whole lot different.
Bears’ O-Line Nightmare Continues
It’s not just Wright. While the severity of his new knee issue isn’t clear, his absence would be a significant loss. Then you have Ozzy Trapilo, their left tackle, still working his way back from a torn patellar tendon. He’s the guy likely to start when he’s ready, but it’s unclear if “ready” means this week. An offensive line that’s already without its top right tackle and unsure about its starting left tackle? That’s a recipe for disaster against a division rival.
On top of that, Chicago’s backfield is also dinged up. Both starting running backs were limited in Wednesday’s practice. Kyle Monangai is dealing with a hamstring issue, and D’Andre Swift has ankle and knee problems. “Limited participant” means they aren’t going full speed yet. While it doesn’t look like either will be completely out on Sunday, these types of injuries, especially hamstrings, can linger and mean they’ll be less than 100% when they hit the field. You need your RBs at full strength, especially if your O-line is struggling. The Bears also placed starting safety Coby Bryant on Injured Reserve, so he’s officially OUT for Sunday. Other Bears injuries include Neville Gallimore (illness), Grady Jarrett (not injury related, rest), Malik Mohammad (ankle), Dayo Odeyingbo (shoulder), and Xavier Woods (groin).
Vikings Have Their Own Woes, But Bears’ Are Worse
The Minnesota Vikings aren’t coming into this game completely clean, injury-wise, but their report looks a bit less catastrophic. Running back Jordan Mason is on Injured Reserve and is OUT. Starting quarterback Kyler Murray was a limited participant with a concussion, which is always a scary one. Linebacker Blake Cashman was also limited with a wrist injury. Starting offensive lineman Brian O’Neill was a limited participant with a knee issue, and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel was limited with a chest injury. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings did not participate, but that was not injury related.
The Vikings have their concerns, for sure, especially with their starting QB, but the sheer impact of the Bears’ offensive line troubles feels like a bigger mountain to climb. When your protection and run game are compromised this early in the season, it can set the tone for the entire game.
Sunday at Soldier Field is gonna be a serious test of depth for the Bears. Their backups are going to have to step up big time, especially on the offensive line, if they want any shot at slowing down the Vikings. We’ll be watching how these key injuries play out right up until kickoff.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Daily Norseman.
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