The Chicago Bears' secondary received some great news on Friday, as star cornerback Jaylon Johnson's 21-day return window was opened, bringing him one step closer to rejoining his teammates. Interestingly enough, that wasn't the only positive tidbit regarding a Bears defensive back to drop before the weekend.
After logging back-to-back absences on Wednesday and Thursday, safety Jaquan Brisker returned to the Bears' practice on Friday, according to Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs. Although Brisker's participation was limited, it seems like he intends to suit up against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, telling reporters that "he expects to play" in the NFC North collision, per Scott Blair of Marquee Sports Network.
Jaquan Brisker Provides Bears with Last-Minute Hope
Injuries have been a common theme throughout Brisker's four-year career. The former Penn State defender has never played a full season so far, which includes when a concussion forced him to miss a dozen games last season. Fortunately, the back injury he's been dealing with this week doesn't seem to be severe, putting him on track to face off against the Vikings.
Brisker's performance has been up and down all season, injured or not. While his 78.2 run defense and 75.6 pass rush grades on Pro Football Focus highlight how he's made an impact close to the line of scrimmage, his 43.1 coverage grade is — by far — the worst effort of his career, as he's given up 17 receptions on 22 targets for 168 yards, three touchdowns, and a 118.9 passer rating.
Fortunately, it seems like Brisker is turning the page at the right time. The 6-foot-1 DB's 72.3 coverage and 74.8 defense grades in Week 10's win over the New York Giants were both among his best efforts of the season, and now he gets to take on a Vikings team that has dropped three of its last four games at U.S. Bank Stadium.
With the NFC North foes trending in opposite directions, Brisker suiting up and making an immediate impact in the secondary is key. The last thing Chicago wants is to give Minnesota any hope it can make up ground in the division, so it'd be great if the veteran safety can make the opposing offense's life as difficult as possible, whether he's in coverage or joining the pass rush.
If Brisker can get back on track and avoid future injury scares, Bears fans have to love their secondary's outlook. Johnson's return is on the horizon. C.J. Gardner-Johnson has exceeded expectations since the trade deadline, and even Nashon Wright has had his moments. If only Tyrique Stevenson could show some signs of encouragement amid his struggles.
Nevertheless, it'll be interesting to see if Brisker will play in Week 11. If he's good to go and there aren't any chances of a setback, the Bears may as well keep him active, giving him another opportunity to squash any concerns in a must-win divisional matchup.