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Bears' Defense Gets Disappointing Injury News on Thursday

It looks like Chicago will be missing two starters in the secondary on Sunday against Washington.

By Joe Summers

Aug 10, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus looks on from the sidelines during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Aug 10, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus looks on from the sidelines during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
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The Bears received some poor injury news at Thursday's practice ahead of a critical Week 8 showdown with the Commanders as both CB Kyler Gordon and S Jaquan Brisker missed practice.

If they're unable to suit up on Friday, they'll be ruled out of Sunday's contest. Both are valuable starters in the secondary and against a potent Washington offense, their respective absences would be felt.

On the bright side, CB Tyrique Stevenson was limited but reports indicate he's trending towards playing.

Bears CB Kyler Gordon and S Jaquan Brisker Miss Thursday's Practice

Gordon has appeared in every game so far this year while Brisker missed Week 6. Each player is valuable, though Brisker was one of the NFL's best defensive players prior to his injury, compiling 40 tackles, two deflected passes, an interception, and a sack while allowing a pedestrian 71.5 passer rating when targeted in coverage.

That's important given how good this Commanders attack looks. Washington is fourth in the league in yards per play (6.2), setting up a fascinating chess match against a Chicago defense that ranks third in opponent yards per pass attempt (5.7).

It's worth noting that star QB Jayden Daniels is battling his own injury and may not play. Marcus Mariota filled in admirably when Daniels went down last week, completing 18 of 23 pass attempts for 203 yards and two TDs. Whether or not the Bears can slow the Commanders' offense will likely ultimately determine the winner of this game.

Even if Gordon and Brisker can play, they're unlikely to be 100%. Missing Thursday's practice is typically a bad sign for players' availability on Sunday and it sounds like the coaching staff is preparing to move forward without them.

Josh Blackwell would presumably replace Gordon and Elijah Hicks should draw the start over Brisker in the event neither play. This is shaping up to be a high-scoring affair. Caleb Williams and the offense have to pick up the slack, otherwise the Bears' depleted secondary could be their downfall.

Likely due to Daniels' ailment, Chicago is a three-point road favorite at FanDuel Sportsbook.

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