Bears injury report: RB David Montgomery, TE Cole Kmet DNP on Friday

Here’s a look at the Bears’ crowded injury report for Friday’s practice, where seven players did not practice for the second straight day.

The Chicago Bears have recently struggled with some injuries, which has featured a laundry list of an injury report during the week. That trend continued Friday.

The Bears released their second injury report of the week ahead of their Week 10 game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football, where seven players did not practice for the second straight day.

Here’s a look at the Bears’ crowded injury report for Friday’s practice.

Bears injury report: David Montgomery, Cole Kmet among 10 players that DNP on Thursday

Here’s a look at the Bears’ crowded injury report for Thursday’s practice, which included Allen Robinson, Roquan Smith and David Montgomery.

The Chicago Bears have recently struggled with some injuries, which has featured a laundry list of an injury report during the week. That trend continued Thursday.

The Bears released their first injury report of the week ahead of their Week 10 game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football, where 10 players did not practice. Three of those veteran resting days for defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, tight end Jimmy Graham and linebacker Danny Trevathan. But the rest of the report is pretty concerning.

Here’s a look at the Bears’ crowded injury report for Thursday’s practice.

Bears 2020 training camp preview: Linebackers

The Chicago Bears linebacker corps figures to be a strength on defense, but are there depth concerns on the roster?

Chicago Bears history is rich with linebacker talent that has generally been the backbone of the defense. Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher are just a few names who have left their mark on this franchise and on the NFL, as well.

And at first glance, the 2020 version of the linebacker corps looks strong on paper. The Bears added Robert Quinn in the offseason, officially ending a disappointing tenure in Leonard Floyd. Quinn, 30, was signed to a five-year, $70 million deal, and he’s coming off an impressive 11.5 sack year with the Cowboys.

Let’s take an in-depth review of the Bears linebacker room heading into training camp.

OLB Khalil Mack

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After an impressive debut season in Chicago, Khalil Mack was double, and sometimes even triple-teamed, to limit the damage. He tallied his lowest sack total (8.5) since his rookie year, and he felt Akiem Hicks’ absence the most. After recording 4.5 sacks through the first four weeks, he logged just four sacks the rest of the way.

Mack remains one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL, and Hicks’ return should boost his statistics in 2020. He can single-handedly wreak havoc on an opposing offense. Despite a down year, Mack started in all 16 games, tallying four pass deflections and five forced fumbles.

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Bears rookie Trevis Gipson will benefit from learning from best in Khalil Mack

The Bears are hoping Trevis Gipson develops into a future starter. And learning from one of the best in Khalil Mack certainly doesn’t hurt.

Despite not being able to get to know his new teammates at the Chicago Bears’ facility, rookie pass rusher Trevis Gipson is busy trying to take everything in and get to know his new teammates through this virtual offseason.

One of the guys he’ll get to know well is edge rusher Khalil Mack, who has already reached out to the Bears’ fifth-round pick and let him know he’s there to help him.

“[I’m] being a sponge,” Gipson said, via ChicagoBears.com. “Taking in the right stuff from the right people that have already been a part of the league and just making sure their mistakes that they made I try to avoid those myself.

“It’s really just being open to the new environment, getting to know the people that you’re going to be around. [Veteran outside linebacker] Khalil Mack hit me up; asked me if I needed anything, that he was there for me. [I’m] getting a feel for everybody and being all eyes open.”

Gipson will get to learn from some of the best in Mack and Robert Quinn, who will anchor the Bears’ pass rush. Gipson and veteran Barkevious Mingo will provide depth at pass rusher for Chicago, which will look to step things up following a disappointing outing in 2019.

The Bears are high on what Gipson can ultimately become, as they traded back into the fifth round to select Gipson with the 155th overall pick. While Gipson has a long way to go in his development, his upside is huge. He has all of the tools to become a starter for the Bears down the line. And learning from the likes of one of the best in the game in Mack certainly doesn’t hurt.

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Bears reveal jersey numbers for new players

The Chicago Bears unveiled jersey numbers for their new players, including QB Nick Foles, OLB Robert Quinn and TE Jimmy Graham.

For everyone creating photos of new Chicago Bears quarterback Nick Foles or outside linebacker Robert Quinn in their navy and orange uniforms, you can rest easy knowing what number jersey they will be wearing this season.

On Wednesday, the Bears announced jersey numbers for their new players and Foles will don No. 9, the same number he wore with the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback Tyler Bray, who previously had the number, switches to No. 8. Quinn, meanwhile, will wear number 94, the same as he wore when he was a member of the Los Angeles Rams and Miami Dolphins.

Other notable players include tight end Jimmy Graham retaining No. 80 — taking over for the released Trey Burton — and linebacker Barkevious Mingo wearing No. 50.

The team will likely reveal new jersey numbers for their rookie draft class in May following the 2020 NFL Draft this week.

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5 things to know about new Bears EDGE Barkevious Mingo

The Bears added more depth on defense and special teams with the signing of OLB Barkevious Mingo. Get to know Chicago’s newest EDGE.

The Chicago Bears continue to make moves to address depth on defense, as well as contributors on special teams. Their latest addition is former first-round pick Barkevious Mingo, who the Bears signed to serve a reserve role at pass rusher and contribute on special teams.

Mingo has been in the NFL for seven seasons, and he’ll get a chance to make a name for himself as a reserve on one of the league’s best defenses.

Following a disappointing season for Chicago’s pass rush, the Bears have made key additions next to Khalil Mack, including the addition of former All-Pro Robert Quinn. Now, Mingo gets a chance to work with both.

Here are five things to know about the Bears’ newest pass rusher:

1. Mingo has history with Bears coaching staff

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As he makes his way to Chicago, Mingo already has some experience working with two members of the Bears’ coaching staff. Mingo spent one year with the Colts in 2017, which happened to mark Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano’s final season as head coach in Indianapolis.

But Mingo has the most history with Bears special teams coordinator Chris Tabor, who served the same role with the Browns during Mingo’s first three years in the league. And given Mingo’s special teams prowess, he’s no stranger to Coach Tabor.

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Free Agency: Grading the Bears’ signing of OLB Barkevious Mingo

The Bears added depth at pass rusher and a core special teams player with Barkevious Mingo. How does he grade out?

The Chicago Bears added some depth at edge rusher with the signing of former first-round pick Barkevious Mingo to a one-year deal.

Mingo, who was drafted sixth overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2013, most recently played in a reserve role with the Houston Texans. Mingo played in all 16 games, with one start, where he tallied six tackles in 2019. But perhaps most important, he served as a solid special teams contributor.

Mingo’s best season came with the Seattle Seahawks in 2018, where he started 14 games and notched a career-best 48 tackles, as well as one sack, one pass defensed and two forced fumbles.

The Bears have added several special teams players that also provide depth at their given defensive positions, and Mingo is no different. He’ll be a part of a Bears pass rush that includes All-Pros Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn, which ain’t a bad day at the office.

Ultimately, the Bears added another core special teams contributor while also finding a replacement for reserve pass rusher Aaron Lynch. A good-value addition for a Bears team running low on salary cap space.

Grade: B

What do you think, Bears fans? How would you grade Chicago’s acquisition of Mingo?

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Report: Bears re-sign S DeAndre Houston-Carson

The Bears continue to add depth to their defense and special teams units with the re-signing of DeAndre Houston-Carson.

The Chicago Bears have been busy inking defensive players to one-year deals over the last few days and Monday was no different.

According to the Chicago Tribune‘s Brad Biggs, the Bears have re-signed safety DeAndre Houston-Carson to a one-year contract.

Houston-Carson, drafted in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, has become a key player on special teams. Last season, Houston-Carson played in all 16 games and totaled 6 tackles.

The former William & Mary standout is the latest Bears defender to return to Chicago, as the team agreed to terms with safety Deon Bush, outside linebacker Isaiah Irving, and defensive end Brent Urban on one-year deals, all within the last few days.

The team also recently signed cornerback Artie Burns, strong safety Jordan Lucas, and outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo to one-year contracts as well.

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Bears sign OLB Barkevious Mingo to 1-year deal

The Bears continued to add depth on defense, this time at outside linebacker, with the free-agent addition of Barkevious Mingo.

The Bears continue to add depth on defense, this time at outside linebacker, with the free-agent addition of Barkevious Mingo.

Mingo has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Bears, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Barkevious’ deal is worth $1.187 million with $887,000 fully guaranteed. He also noted that the Texans had interest in re-signing Barkevious, but the Bears got a deal done.

As Rapoport noted, Mingo has history with some of the Bears coaching staff. He played under defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano during his time with the Colts in 2017. He’s also worked with special teams coordinator Chris Tabor in Cleveland from 2013-15.

Most recently, Mingo played in a reserve role with the Houston Texans. He played in all 16 games, with one start, where he tallied six tackles in 2019. He also played on special teams.

Mingo’s best season came with the Seattle Seahawks in 2018, where he started 14 games and logged a career-high 48 tackles, one sack, one pass defensed and two forced fumbles.

Mingo operated as a pass rusher with the Seahawks, and he figures to serve a similar role as a reserve with the Bears. He’ll be a part of a Bears pass rush that includes All-Pros Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn.

The Bears also got another core special teamer in Mingo, who has served as a veteran special teams leader throughout his career.

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4 edge rushers the Jets should avoid in free agency

Jets Wire takes a look at four edge rushers Joe Douglas and the Jets should steer clear of in free agency.

It’s been a while since the Jets had themselves a dominant pass rusher.

Ever since John Abraham departed in 2006, New York has lacked an elite edge rusher that can consistently get to opposing quarterbacks. Fortunately for general manager Joe Douglas, this year’s free-agent class is loaded with top-tier pass rushers. At the same time, there are some edges who should not receive a serious look from the Jets in free agency.

Who are those players? Let’s take a look.

Everson Griffen

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Yes, Griffen earned a Pro Bowl selection last season and was extremely productive throughout Minnesota’s run to the postseason. That doesn’t make him an ideal free agent target for the Jets, though.

If New York was established as a contender, you could argue that Griffen is exactly what the Jets need — a veteran pass rusher who is still producing at a relatively high clip. New York is not there right now. It needs to get younger and handing out a big-time contract to a 32-year-old doesn’t exactly do the trick.

The Jets can’t afford to gamble on how much an aging player like Griffen has left in the tank. He’ll earn himself a nice payday this offseason, but it shouldn’t be with the Jets.