The Chicago Bears official injury report suggests important returns

The Chicago Bears are just about done with their mini-bye as they play the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at Soldier Field despite there being 10 days since their last game, the team’s injury report read like a novel.

Heading into the week, it was reported that starting running back Khalil Herbert would miss multiple weeks with an ankle injury but there was uncertainty surrounding whether or not Roschon Johnson would be cleared of the concussion protocol. Johnson suffered a concussion in the Bears’ victory over the Washington Commanders last week and has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Vikings.

With third-string running back Travis Homer also out for Sunday’s game, the Bears are entering the weekend with only two healthy running backs. Veteran running back D’Onta Foreman is set to be the primary running back this week for the Bears while Darrynton Evans will serve as the backup.

The Chicago Bears injury report signals some important returns for the team’s defense on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

While the Bears’ running back depth will be depleted for Sunday’s game against the Vikings, their defensive secondary is returning to strength.

With cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon both being full participants in practice by the end of the week, the expectation is that both will be active. Gordon was placed on IR after suffering a fractured hand against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 while Johnson has been dealing with a hamstring injury in recent weeks.

Equanimeous St. Brown missing Sunday’s game may signal added importance for rookie wide receiver Tyler Scott. St. Brown had essentially taken over Chase Claypool’s role in the offense, though, that was mostly due to his ability as a blocker. Scott, with his speed, has the potential to be a threat in a Bears’ offense that will likely see increased attention paid to D.J. Moore by the Minnesota Vikings’ defense.

Both the Vikings and Bears will enter Sunday’s game with a record of 1-4. The loser of the game likely will shift their attention to Caleb Williams and the 2024 NFL Draft while the winner will still be clinging to a false sense of contention.