The Chicago Bears have been using the bye week to regroup and get additional rest, especially for the injured veterans. The secondary has been ravaged by injuries all season, with Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon essentially missing the entire season. Considering the state of the defensive unit, most of the Bears organization must be satisfied with the 2-2 start.
To make matters not as bad as they seem, Chicago's NFC North rivals aren't faring much better. In fact, the Detroit Lions are in the exact same boat as the Bears after Week 5. On Monday, Dan Campbell revealed that Terrion Arnold would miss significant time with a shoulder injury, meaning that they are now down two starting cornerbacks, in addition to Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who has already been ruled out for the season.
Lions and Bears Are Going Through the Same Issues After Week 5
This is the second straight season the Lions have been decimated by injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Last year, they finished the regular season with 13 defenders on the injured reserve list. Even though things aren't that dire yet, the injuries are currently piling up.
As disappointing as that is for Lions fans, it presents an opportunity for the Bears. In a stacked division, the Bears could use all the help that they can get. And not being the most injured team in the NFC North is certainly a step in the right direction.
When the Bears return from their bye against the Commanders on Monday Night Football, they could have both Kyler Gordon and TJ Edwards back. Both players practiced last week, and Gordon had said that he would have suited up if Week 5 wasn't a bye week.
The statuses of Darnell Wright, Colston Loveland, and Grady Jarrett, who all missed the Week 4 win over the Raiders, however, are currently unknown. Austin Booker is waiting for his 21-day practice window to be opened so that he can start making his way back to the field.
Johnson, on the other hand, will need more time to return. After reaggravating his groin injury in Week 2 against the Lions, the star cornerback was ruled out indefinitely, but is expected to make a return before the end of the season.
Amid the injuries, the Bears have understandably struggled defensively in Dennis Allen's first four games in charge as the defensive coordinator. At the same time, the secondary has been punching above its weight, already recording seven interceptions for the season, to the credit of new defensive pass game coordinator Al Harris. Seeing what they can do with a healthier and more talented defensive backfield upon the return of the injured starters will be fascinating to watch for Bears fans.