Tag: Bears injuries

What Yannick Ngakoue’s loss means for Bears defense

The Bears need these players to step up in Yannick Ngakoue’s absence.

The Chicago Bears were dealt a blow with defensive end Yannick Ngakoue suffering a broken ankle that will sideline him for the remainder of the season.

It’s disappointing considering Chicago’s defense was just hitting its stride, where they’ve become a top-five unit since the addition of Montez Sweat. Since Week 9, the Bears defense ranks fifth in total defense (272.2 ypg), fifth in pass defense (180.6 ypg), ninth in scoring defense (18.2 ppg) and is tied for second in total takeaways (11), according to NFL Research.

Ngakoue, who signed a one-year deal worth $10.5 million this offseason, only had four sacks this season (marking the first time in his seven-year career where he hasn’t finished a season with at least eight. But head coach Matt Eberflus believes Ngakoue was close to more.

“There were a lot of times he had (the quarterback) in the chute there and he could have got him down,” Eberflus said. “We just have to do a good job of finishing and … wrapping up the quarterback, strip-sacking as you come through. And I think he could have had at least three or four more – at least.”

As for how the Bears will compensate for Ngakoue’s loss in terms of getting more pressure, Eberflus joked they’re going to “blitz every snap.”

In actuality, Chicago is going to need other players to step up in Ngakoue’s absence. There will be more opportunities for defensive ends DeMarcus Walker, Rasheem Green, Dominque Robinson, as well as rookie defensive tackles Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens.

“Everybody’s going to have an uptick in reps because of the loss of Yannick,” Eberflus said.

Bears Week 15 injury report: DJ Moore (ankle) didn’t practice Wednesday

Here’s a look at the Bears’ Week 15 injury report following Wednesday’s practice:

The Chicago Bears (5-8) released their first injury report ahead of Sunday’s Week 15 game against the Cleveland Browns (8-5).

The big news of the day is defensive end Yannick Ngakoue landing on season-ending injured reserve with a broken ankle. Chicago’s injury list heading into Week 15 is short (especially compared to the Browns), but there’s a notable name.

Wide receiver DJ Moore didn’t participant in Wednesday’s practice with an ankle injury, which is something worth monitoring this week. Safety Jaquan Brisker (groin) was limited while wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (pectoral) and linebacker Dylan Cole (personal) both didn’t practice.

Here’s a look at the injury report for the Bears and Browns after Wednesday’s practices:

Chicago Bears

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
DB Jaquan Brisker Groin LP
LB Dylan Cole Personal DNP
WR DJ Moore Ankle DNP
WR Equanimeous St. Brown Pectoral DNP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

Cleveland Browns

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
G Joel Bitonio Rest/knee DNP
WR Amari Cooper Rest/ribs DNP
DT Jordan Elliott Concussion DNP
RB Jerome Ford Wrist LP
DE Myles Garrett Rest/shoulder DNP
K Dustin Hopkins Personal DNP
RB Kareem Hunt Groin DNP
TE David Njoku Rest/knee DNP
DE Ogbo Okoronkwo Pectoral DNP
C Ethan Pocic Stinger DNP
FS Juan Thornhill Calf DNP
MLB Anthony Walker Rest/knee DNP
CB Denzel Ward Shoulder LP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

Bears DE Yannick Ngakoue out for season with broken ankle

Bears edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue suffered a broken ankle last Sunday and will be placed on season-ending IR.

Chicago Bears defensive end Yannick Ngakoue suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Sunday’s win against the Detroit Lions, head coach Matt Eberflus announced Wednesday.

Ngakoue suffered a broken ankle late in Sunday’s game against the Lions, and he played through it. Eberflus said it happened on one of the final plays, although he’s not sure specifically which play it happened on. Ngakoue will need surgery and will land on season-ending injured reserve.

As for how the Bears will compensate for Ngakoue’s loss in terms of getting more pressure, Eberflus joked: “Blitz every snap.”

The Bears signed Ngakoue to a one-year deal worth $10.5 million this offseason, where he served as the team’s top edge rusher until the team acquired Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders in Week 9.

Ngakoue finishes this season with 4.0 sacks, making this the first time in his seven-year career where he hasn’t totaled at least eight sacks.

 

The Bears’ pass rush has made substantial progress in sacks, where they have 10 in the last four games (compared to 11 in the first nine games). Ngakoue’s loss isn’t ideal, so Eberflus will have to get creative when it comes to creating consistent pressure up front.

With Ngakoue sidelined, there will be opportunities for defensive ends DeMarcus Walker, Rasheem Green and Dominique Robinson (who’s been a healthy scratch for the last six games), along with defensive linemen like Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens to create pressure.

Bears Week 9 injury report: Who practiced, who didn’t on Wednesday

Here’s a look at the Bears’ Week 9 injury report following Wednesday’s practice:

The Chicago Bears (2-6) released their first injury report ahead of Sunday’s Week 9 game against the New Orleans Saints (4-4).

The Bears conducted a walkthrough on Wednesday, so the practice statuses were projections. Quarterback Justin Fields, who was previously ruled out for Sunday, was listed as a non-participant.

Safety Jaquan Brisker, who landed back in concussion protocol this week, and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who suffered a knee injury against the Chargers, were both listed as non-participants.

Left tackle Braxton Jones is in the second week of his three-week practice window to return from injury reserve, where he was officially listed as limited.

The good news? Safety Eddie Jackson, who was active but didn’t play Sunday night, was listed as a full participant.

Here’s a look at the injury report for the Bears and Saints (TBA) after Wednesday’s practice:

Chicago Bears

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
DB Jaquan Brisker concussion DNP
OL Nate Davis ankle DNP
LB Tremaine Edmunds knee DNP
QB Justin Fields right thumb DNP
DB Eddie Jackson foot FP
OL Braxton Jones* neck LP
OL Lucas Patrick back FP
DB Terell Smith illness DNP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

*designated to return from IR

New Orleans Saints

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

*designated to return from IR

Matt Eberflus details ‘unique’ situation where Bears’ Jaquan Brisker landed back in concussion protocol 

Jaquan Brisker cleared concussion protocol early last week. Bears HC Matt Eberflus describes how Brisker landed back in the protocol.

Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker battled an illness last week, which kept him sidelined in Sunday night’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Head coach Matt Eberflus detailed the “unique” situation involving Brisker, who initially cleared concussion protocol following a Week 7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He checked out fine Monday and Tuesday with the independent neurologist.

But Brisker later reported a fever and didn’t feel well. While Brisker improved Saturday, the symptoms returned, and the Bears ultimately ruled him out. But Brisker still felt off, so he was re-evaluated and is now back in concussion protocol.

“I’ve never had that happen before,” Eberflus said. “But he got ill during that process and then when he was done being ill he still had the symptoms.”

It’s certainly a “unique” situation, as Eberflus described, and it’s something worth monitoring heading into this Week 9 contest against the New Orleans Saints.

Chicago was without both Brisker and Eddie Jackson, who was available but didn’t play, against the Chargers. The hope is at least one of them will ready to go. Otherwise, it’ll be Elijah Hicks and Duron Harmon getting the starting nods once again.

Bears LT Braxton Jones won’t play Sunday night vs. Chargers

Matt Eberflus said Bears LT Braxton Jones is a “no go” for Sunday night’s game vs. Chargers.

The Chicago Bears have yet to have their intended starting offensive line on the field this season, and that will continue when the team heads out west to face the Los Angeles Chargers in prime time.

The Bears designed left tackle Braxton Jones to return from injured reserve this week. Jones has missed the previous five games after suffering a neck injury in a Week 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jones was a limited participant in practice all week, but head coach Matt Eberflus described him as a “no go” for Sunday night’s game against the Chargers.

“We’ll talk about that more next week,” Ebeflus told reporters Friday. “We don’t know exactly where he is in terms of like the movements and all those things but with the trainer, he’s working good.”

The good news? Right tackle Darnell Wright, who’s been dealing with shoulder and toe injuries, was a full participant in Friday’s practice and doesn’t have a game designation.

Wright will anchor the right side of the offensive line, alongside Teven Jenkins, who’s filling in at right guard for an injured Nate Davis.

Bears Week 8 injury report: Justin Fields, Nate Davis ruled out vs. Chargers

Here’s a look at the Bears’ final Week 8 injury report following Friday’s practice:

The Chicago Bears (2-5) released their final injury report ahead of Sunday’s Week 8 prime-time game against the Los Angeles Chargers (2-4).

Quarterback Justin Fields has officially been ruled out as he deals with a right thumb injury. It’ll be undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent making his second NFL start. Right guard Nate Davis (ankle) and cornerback Terell Smith (illness) were also ruled out.

Safeties Eddie Jackson (foot) and Jaquan Brisker (illness) are officially questionable for Sunday night. But there was some good news regarding right tackle Darnell Wright and running back Roschon Johnson, who weren’t given game designations.

Here’s a look at the injury report for the Bears and Chargers after Thursday’s practice:

Chicago Bears

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
DB Jaquan Brisker illness DNP DNP DNP Questionable
OL Nate Davis ankle DNP DNP DNP Out
OL Dan Feeney knee LP LP FP Questionable
QB Justin Fields right thumb DNP DNP DNP Out
DB Eddie Jackson foot LP LP FP Questionable
RB Roschon Johnson concussion FP FP FP —
OL Braxton Jones* neck LP LP LP —
DL Khalid Kareem* hip FP FP FP —
TE Marcedes Lewis rest — DNP — —
DB Terell Smith illness DNP DNP DNP Out
OL Darnell Wright shoulder/toe DNP LP FP —

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

*designated to return from IR

Los Angeles Chargers

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
WR Keenan Allen back — — LP —
RB Austin Ekeler ankle FP FP FP —
TE Gerald Everett hip DNP LP FP Questionable
S Aloha Gilman heel LP LP FP Questionable
WR Jalen Guyton* knee LP FP FP Questionable
QB Justin Herbert left finger FP FP FP —
DL Sebastian Joesph-Day knee FP FP FP —
DB Deane Leonard hamstring LP LP LP Questionable
OLB Khalil Mack rest DNP — — —
LB Amen Ogbongbemiga groin FP FP FP —
DL Otto Ogbonnia* knee LP FP FP Questionable
WR Joshua Palmer knee DNP DNP FP Questionable
T Trey Pipkins ankle LP FP FP —
T Rashawn Slater shoulder FP FP FP —

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

*designated to return from IR

Bears Week 8 injury report: Who practiced, who didn’t on Thursday

Here’s a look at the Bears’ Week 8 injury report following Thursday’s practice:

The Chicago Bears (2-5) released their second injury report ahead of Sunday’s Week 8 prime-time game against the Los Angeles Chargers (2-4).

The injury report remains a crowded one with some prominent players listed as not participating or as limited participants. Quarterback Justin Fields, who remains week-to-week with a right thumb injury, didn’t practice once again. He’s doubtful, and rookie Tyson Bagent is expected to make his second NFL start.

Elsewhere, safety Jaquan Brisker did not practice for the second straight day with an illness. It’s a situation that bears monitoring heading into Friday’s practice. Right guard Nate Davis didn’t practice again, as he deals with an ankle injury. The good news? Right tackle Darnell Wright was a limited participant in practice after missing Wednesday’s workout.

More good news: Safety Eddie Jackson (foot) practiced for the second straight day, along with running back Roschon Johnson (concussion) and left tackle Braxton Jones (neck), who was designated to return from injured reserve.

Here’s a look at the injury report for the Bears and Chargers after Thursday’s practice:

Chicago Bears

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
DB Jaquan Brisker illness DNP DNP
OL Nate Davis ankle DNP DNP
OL Dan Feeney knee LP LP
QB Justin Fields right thumb DNP DNP
DB Eddie Jackson foot LP LP
RB Roschon Johnson concussion FP FP
OL Braxton Jones* neck LP LP
DL Khalid Kareem* hip FP FP
TE Marcedes Lewis rest — DNP
DB Terell Smith illness DNP DNP
OL Darnell Wright shoulder/toe DNP LP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

*designated to return from IR

Los Angeles Chargers

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
RB Austin Ekeler ankle FP FP
TE Gerald Everett hip DNP LP
S Aloha Gilman heel LP LP
WR Jalen Guyton* knee LP FP
QB Justin Herbert left finger FP FP
DL Sebastian Joesph-Day knee FP FP
DB Deane Leonard hamstring LP LP
OLB Khalil Mack rest DNP —
LB Amen Ogbongbemiga groin FP FP
DL Otto Ogbonnia* knee LP FP
WR Joshua Palmer knee DNP DNP
T Trey Pipkins ankle LP FP
T Rashawn Slater shoulder FP FP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

*designated to return from IR

Bears QB Justin Fields working towards Week 9 return

Justin Fields is aiming to return for the Bears’ Week 9 game against the Saints, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is unlikely to play against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Head coach Matt Eberflus reiterated Fields is “week-to-week,” which means it’ll be undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent most likely getting his second straight start.

The rookie impressed in his debut, completing 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards and one touchdown. Bagent was efficient in moving the football. More importantly, he didn’t turn the ball over.

The pressure is back on Fields to perform when he returns, which could be as soon as Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

While Justin Fields remains doubtful for Sunday vs. the Chargers, the Bears quarterback is determined to get back as early as Week 9, according to people with the team. “He’s definitely working toward that,” a source said. Fields’ availability hinges on his ability to grip and throw a football, which could take time. But he’s been diligent in his rehab and game prep and hopes to avoid injured reserve.

Eberflus has repeatedly used the phrase “grip strength” when discussing Fields’ timeline. Of course, that makes sense. If you can’t grip the ball, you will not be able to throw the ball.

But you have to wonder if Fields is starting to feel the pressure from Bagent getting starting opportunities.

The former Ohio State standout has had 2.5 years to prove himself. The Bears had prolonged losing streaks both at home and overall. Bagent gets his first NFL start and ends the home losing streak.

At times, Fields has looked like a franchise quarterback, particularly with his performances in Week 4 and 5, throwing for a combined 617 yards and eight touchdowns. But he didn’t look the part against a blitz-happy Minnesota Vikings defense in Week 6.

If Bagent topples the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football, the Bears could have a legitimate quarterback controversy. You just have to hope Fields doesn’t accelerate the timeline to return simply because he’s feeling outplayed.

Bears Week 8 injury report: Who practiced, who didn’t on Wednesday

Here’s a look at the Bears’ Week 8 injury report following Wednesday’s practice:

The Chicago Bears (2-5) released their first injury report ahead of Sunday’s Week 8 prime-time game against the Los Angeles Chargers (2-4).

It’s another crowded injury report with five prominent players not practicing on Wednesday, including quarterback Justin Fields, who remains week-to-week with a right thumb injury.

Other players sidelined Wednesday: Safety Jaquan Brisker (illness), right guard Nate Davis (ankle), right tackle Darnell Wright (shoulder/toe) and cornerback Terrell Smith (illness).

There is good news: Safety Eddie Jackson (foot) was back at practice, along with running back Roschon Johnson (concussion) and left tackle Braxton Jones (neck), who was designated to return from injured reserve.

Here’s a look at the injury report for the Bears and Chargers after Wednesday’s practice:

Chicago Bears

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
DB Jaquan Brisker illness DNP
OL Nate Davis ankle DNP
OL Dan Feeney knee LP
QB Justin Fields right thumb DNP
DB Eddie Jackson foot LP
RB Roschon Johnson concussion FP
OL Braxton Jones* neck LP
DL Khalid Kareem* hip FP
DB Terell Smith illness DNP
OL Darnell Wright shoulder/toe DNP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

*designated to return from IR

Los Angeles Chargers

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
RB Austin Ekeler ankle FP
TE Gerald Everett hip DNP
S Aloha Gilman heel LP
WR Jalen Guyton* knee LP
QB Justin Herbert left finger FP
DL Sebastian Joesph-Day knee FP
DB Deane Leonard hamstring LP
OLB Khalil Mack rest DNP
LB Amen Ogbongbemiga groin FP
DL Otto Ogbonnia* knee LP
WR Joshua Palmer knee DNP
T Trey Pipkins ankle LP
T Rashawn Slater shoulder FP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

*designated to return from IR