Tag: Kevin Toliver

3 key matchups to watch in Bears vs. Cowboys

As the Bears prepare for the Cowboys, they’ll face a tall order as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive. Here are matchups to watch.

When the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys kick off at Soldier Field on Thursday evening, it will officially mark the beginning of the fourth quarter of the 2019 NFL season.

Each sitting at 6-6, the Bears and Cowboys still eye a spot in the postseason, although the Cowboys’ road to the playoffs is much smoother than the Bears’. Nonetheless, neither team can afford a loss in December and will look to inch closer towards securing a playoff berth.

With injuries sidelining impactful players on both teams, this game will come down to a few key matchups. Here are three of the biggest:

1. OLB Khalil Mack vs. LT Tyron Smith

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

A (literal) battle of the heavyweights, Mack and Smith are perennial Pro Bowl players who will go head to head for a significant portion of the game. Statistically, Mack hasn’t reached his totals from 2018 and is in danger of missing out on double-digit sacks for the first time since his rookie season. But he has five forced fumbles and is still a game-changer when coming off the edge. He’ll line up on both ends of the line but will face a major test when lining up across from Smith.

Smith has only surrendered one sack this season, and the offensive line as a whole has given up 19 total, tied for third-best in the league, according to Football Outsiders. Getting to Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will be paramount when it comes to winning this game.

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Bears vs. Cowboys: 4 storylines to watch in Week 14

There’s plenty to watch as the Bears host the Cowboys on Thursday Night Football, where both teams are looking to stay in the playoff hunt.

The Chicago Bears (6-6) return to Soldier Field looking to extend their winning streak to three games as they host the Dallas Cowboys (6-6) on Thursday Night Football.

While this season has been anything but a success, the Bears are still gearing up for a late-season playoff push in the month of December, which wasn’t something many were thinking after the Bears sat at 3-5.

But if the Bears want to have any hope of a playoff berth, they’re going to need to start by taking care of business against the Cowboys.

Here are four storylines to watch as the Bears face the Rams on Sunday:

1. Can the Bears keep their playoff hopes alive?

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Considering how this season has unfolded, the fact that the Bears are playing meaningful football in December is encouraging. But if the Bears are going to make a playoff push, they’re going to need to essentially win out in their final four games. That starts Thursday against the Cowboys.

Chicago will face a struggling Dallas team that is also fighting for a playoff spot — only they’re fighting to win the NFC East over the Philadelphia Eagles. So the Cowboys have plenty to play for, even after they were embarrassed on Thanksgiving against the Buffalo Bills.

While the Bears need plenty of help for any hope at the playoffs, they also have to take care of business. You could argue that the .500 Cowboys are the easiest remaining opponent for the Bears, who will also battle three teams with winning records on track for the playoffs in the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings.

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Bears CB Prince Amukamara doubtful, Ben Braunecker, Taylor Gabriel out vs. Cowboys

The Bears released their final injury report ahead of Thursday’s game against the Cowboys, and CB Prince Amukamara’s status is doubtful.

The Chicago Bears released their final injury report ahead of Thursday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, and it’s not encouraging news on the injury front.

Cornerback Prince Amukamara is officially doubtful against the Cowboys as he deals with a hamstring injury. That means we’ll likely see Kevin Toliver in his place, which isn’t encouraging given the Cowboys’ talented receiving corp.

The Bears have also ruled out four players for Thursday, including receiver Taylor Gabriel (concussion), tight end Ben Braunecker (concussion), right tackle Bobby Massie (ankle) and linebacker Danny Trevathan (elbow).

On the Cowboys front, three players have been ruled out against the Bears, and they’re all on defense. They are linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, safety Jeff Heath and defensive tackle Antwaun Woods.

The Bears and Cowboys kick things off at 7:20 p.m. CT on Thursday Night Football.

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Bears Injury Report: Prince Amukamara held out of Tuesday’s practice

The Bears’ injury report lists CB Prince Amukamara still out with a hamstring injury, as well as DT Bilal Nichols, who was limited Tuesday.

The Chicago Bears (6-6) released their Tuesday injury report ahead of Thursday’s primetime matchup against the Dallas Cowboys (6-6).

For the second straight day, cornerback Prince Amukamara missed practice with a hamstring injury. If Amukamara can’t go for Thursday’s game, Kevin Toliver will likely start in his place.

Wide receiver Taylor Gabriel and tight end Ben Braunecker remain in concussion protocol and appear doubtful for Thursday night. In that case, Chicago will turn to some of its young prospects in second-year receiver Javon Wims and rookie tight end Jesper Horsted.

Defensive tackle Bilal Nichols popped up on Tuesday’s injury report, although Tuesday’s practice is essentially a Friday practice for the Bears. Nichols is typically limited given they practice indoors. He should be good to go against Dallas.

Right tackle Bobby Massie remains out with a high-ankle sprain that’s likely to sideline him for a few weeks. Linebacker Danny Trevathan also remains out with an elbow injury.

Injury designations will be revealed on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s game against the Cowboys, and it doesn’t look good for those besides Nichols on the injury report.