The Chicago Bears are absolutely reeling after Wednesday’s injury report dropped, and the biggest bombshell? Quarterback Caleb Williams was a non-participant in practice due to a hamstring injury. Talk about a gut punch to start the week, especially when you are trying to find some momentum early in the season. But that is just the tip of the iceberg for Chicago, who looked seriously banged up coming out of the gate.
Bears’ Brutal Injury List Stacks Up
When you dig into the Bears’ report, it gets even worse. Williams’ hamstring is a massive concern, sure, but he was joined by a whole crew of key players on the non-participant list. They have got offensive linemen Jonah Jackson (ankle), Joe Thuney (pectoral), and Darnell Wright (ankle) all sitting out. And if losing your starting QB is not enough, both running backs, Kyle Monangai (thumb/toe) and D’Andre Swift (hip/knee), also could not practice. That is their whole backfield and half their O-line sidelined on Wednesday. On the slightly brighter side, the Bears did open up practice windows for three guys. Cornerback Kyle Gordon (calf) was a full participant, which is huge. But linebacker Noah Sewell (Achilles) was still a non-participant, and defensive lineman Shemar Turner (knee) was limited, so it is not all smooth sailing there either.
Packers Deal With Their Own Bumps, Find a Silver Lining
Over in Green Bay, the Packers had their own share of non-participants, but it felt a little less like a total catastrophe. Left running back Chris Brooks (ankle), guard Aaron Banks (knee/toe), offensive lineman Jager Burton (back), and offensive lineman Jacob Monk (quadricep) all sat out Wednesday. That is a lot of offensive line issues, for sure, but here is where the good news kicks in for them: the team is “oversigned” at the position. That means they can still dress eight offensive linemen on game days even if these guys cannot go. How about that for a bit of strategic depth? Plus, receiver Savion Williams (ankle) started practicing as a limited participant, opening his 21-day window to return from injured reserve. Right tackle Anthony Belton (knee), defensive lineman Anthony Campbell (ankle), defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (ankle), and edge defender Lukas Van Ness (shoulder) were all limited. Crucially, Belton, Wyatt, and Van Ness all finished their last game against Tampa Bay. Campbell was inactive last week. And cornerback Brandon Cisse, who left the Buccaneers game with a neck injury, was a full participant on Wednesday. It sounds like he is ready to jump right back into his starting role at right cornerback, where he played as a rookie.
This is a brutal start to the week for the Bears, facing a Packers squad that, while also dealing with its own bumps and bruises, seems to have a bit more depth and good news to weather the storm. You know this division matchup is always intense, but with these injury reports, it is going to be a real test of grit this weekend.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Acme Packing Company.
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