The Chicago Bears came out of Seattle with another win, but their injury list isn't getting any shorter. Two players are now facing the possibility of missing the rest of the season, while several others remain questionable ahead of Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.
Head coach Ben Johnson addressed some of those concerns Wednesday, including the latest on offensive tackle Braxton Jones, defensive tackle Kentavius Street and running back Kyle Monangai.
Here's where things stand heading into Week 9.
Braxton Jones won't return this season
Any hope of getting Braxton Jones back later this year is gone.
The offensive tackle underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a partially torn patellar tendon in his right knee. Jones originally suffered the injury against Philadelphia in Week 3 and had been on injured reserve since October 3.
Chicago initially hoped rehabilitation would be enough to get him back on the field. Instead, his season is over after just three starts.
The timing isn't particularly helpful for an offensive line already dealing with another injury.
Theo Benedet hurt his shoulder against Seattle and did not participate in Wednesday's walkthrough. If he can't go against Tampa Bay, Ozzy Trapilo could be next in line at left tackle.
That's a situation worth monitoring considering how well Caleb Williams has played since returning from his hamstring injury.
Kentavius Street's season could also be over
Jones isn't the only player Chicago may have lost for the year.
Defensive tackle Kentavius Street landed on injured reserve Wednesday after suffering a knee injury against the Seahawks. Johnson indicated the injury will probably keep him out for the remainder of the season.
Street appeared in all eight games this year, starting seven before the Bears acquired Jeffery Simmons from Tennessee.
His numbers weren't spectacular, with just one sack, but Chicago now has one fewer experienced defensive lineman available.
And Street isn't the only concern up front.
Grady Jarrett missed Wednesday's walkthrough because of a groin injury. His status becomes particularly important with Tampa Bay bringing the league's leading rushing attack to Soldier Field.
The Bears also made a couple of roster moves Wednesday, promoting tight end Stephen Carlson from the practice squad and adding defensive lineman Earnest Brown IV to the practice squad.
Kyle Monangai still hasn't returned to practice
There was no encouraging update on Kyle Monangai Wednesday.
The rookie running back has missed four consecutive games with thumb and toe injuries and was again listed as a nonparticipant.
Before getting hurt, Monangai had rushed for 324 yards and three touchdowns on 60 attempts. Chicago could certainly use that production again, especially with D'Andre Swift handling so much of the workload.
Swift carried the ball 27 times against Seattle, finishing with 69 yards and three touchdowns.
Johnson has already acknowledged that the Bears need to be careful with Swift's workload. Asking him to continue handling that many carries isn't necessarily the best plan over a full season.
Unfortunately, the Bears aren't getting much relief elsewhere at the position. Zavier Scott also missed Wednesday's walkthrough with a wrist injury.
That leaves Chicago waiting to see whether either running back can make progress before Sunday.
Full Bears injury report for Wednesday
The Bears listed six players on Wednesday's report:
- Theo Benedet (shoulder): Did not participate
- Grady Jarrett (groin): Did not participate
- Kyle Monangai (thumb/toe): Did not participate
- Zavier Scott (wrist): Did not participate
- T.J. Edwards (personal): Did not participate
- Malik Muhammad (toe): Limited participation
Because Chicago held a walkthrough, those participation designations were estimates rather than results from a full practice.
Thursday and Friday should provide a better indication of who might be available against Tampa Bay.
The good news for Chicago is that its bye week follows Sunday's game. That won't help Jones or potentially Street, but it could give players dealing with less serious injuries some additional time to recover.
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