Bulls News: Brown provides injury updates ahead of rematch with Lions |
CHICAGO - Injuries are once again a problem for the Chicago Bears offensive line. Last week against the Minnesota Vikings, Braxton Jones was a late scratch after experiencing concussion symptoms the day before the game. This week, Ryan Bates is still out, while Jones and Teven Jenkins are questionable.
Head coach Thomas Brown was evasive when asked who would replace Jenkins if could play. “We have a number of different guys rotate in that same spot,” Brown said. “So, we (have) a couple guys just rode in the last few days or so and just mix it up some as far as a few outs between guards and tackles.” When Jones could not play, rookie Kiran Amegadjie stepped in for him. It was a brutal rookie debut with four penalties and allowed a forced fumble, Chicago’s only turnover of the game. That happened on the Bears’ second drive of the game, giving Minnesota momentum early. Injuries and a lack of depth have been problems for Chicago’s offensive line all season, which Brown attributes to their struggles this year. They have given up 58 sacks so far. “When you end up having guys in different spots, injuries play a part in it. I think also got to give credit to a couple opponents, playing some pretty good defenses. As we talked about from a matchup standpoint on the outside when it comes to the skill guys, they’re also matchups when it comes to up front,” Brown said. “I think that’s when you have known passing situations that make it difficult for any o-line when it comes to them knowing (and) dictating the flow of the game because you’re playing from behind. That has a play in it as well. So, I think the more we can do a really good job of staying in games, staying balanced, that will kind of negate some of those problems also.” Chicago has been starting incredibly slow, especially in the past three weeks. They have not scored any points in the first half since Nov. 24, when they faced the Minnesota Vikings for the first time. The Bears put themselves in a 16-0 hole the first time they faced the Detroit Lions back on Thanksgiving. Chicago fought their way back in the second half and should have come away with points on their final drive of the game, but horrendous clock management doomed them. “We had a couple opportunities in the first game we played them and missed on one on the third down in the first half that was underthrown. Also, we could have come back. Just got to compete for the ball. But, you talk about always having a matchup league that plays a ton of man coverage, having an opportunity to get some guys in different spots and linebackers on tight ends, linebackers on running backs. So, we might have a plan for it. So, we’ll see,” Brown said. “Third down conversions. I think we had opportunity in the first half to convert on third down. We didn’t. Had a couple situations where there was a penalty on the early third down. That was pretty well-designed as far as to (beat) man coverage. We had two penalties on the same play, OPI on Cole and also a holding call on Darnell to negate that. But, also just overall execution. (I) think we had pretty good efficiency on first and second down. This is more about being able to stay on the grass on third down.” Having their top two running backs should help Chicago as Roschon Johnson will be able to return for the Bears’ rematch against the Detroit Lions this coming Sunday (Noon / FOX). It will be his first game since Thanksgiving, when he suffered a concussion. Chicago still may be short at running back as Travis Homer is doubtful with a hamstring injury. “When it comes to the running back spot, you want to be able to have enough depth there because when you have different guys in that room from a body type standpoint, Travis also provides some downhill runability for us as well,” Brown said. “But, Roschon’s made a big hit this year when it comes to short yardage goal line, getting the tough yards. So, it’s good to get those guys back rolling together.” Defensively, the Bears have two questionable players. Defensive lineman Gervon Dexter, who could not play last week with a knee injury, is officially questionable. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but could practice in a limited fashion on Friday. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson popped up on the injury report as he was unable to practice on Friday with an illness. While he is questionable, Brown said he feels “good about him playing on game day.” Johnson has not missed a game all season to this point.
