The Chicago Bears are on a short week this time around, with their next game scheduled for Thursday Night Football. The Bears take on the New England Patriots as they attempt to gain ground on an undefeated Minnesota Vikings team.
Romeo Doubs, the Patriots leading receiver has been placed on the Injured Reserve list, meaning he'll not only miss the matchup against Chicago, but the next four games at minimum, per the NFL's IR rules.
Patriots officially placed WR Romeo Doubs on injured reserve.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 19, 2026
Late in the first quarter against the Jets on Sunday, Doubs caught a 42-yard touchdown pass on second down, and he never returned to the game.
Doubs is a familiar name to Bears fans. He was drafted by the Packers in 2022, where he spent the first four seasons of his career. Over time, he came to be a prominent name in the Packers receiver room, and was a deadly weapon in several wins over the Bears.
You may remember him because of his giant helmet.
Now, since he signed a four-year $68 million contract with the Patriots back in March, Doubs has established himself as one of the top receivers the Patriots have, despite sharing the space with the likes of A.J. Brown and DeMario Douglas.
Brown had only come off of the IR himself after suffering a high ankle sprain, and his return didn't go over very well. He posted 27 yards on three catches, but he was targeted 10 times. The Patriots are banking on him getting back into rhythm with a few more days to practice, but the short week isn't doing them any favors in that regard.
No Doubs means a smaller field Thursday
The puts the Bears defense in a precarious position. Without Doubs stretching the field, Chicago's safeties can squeeze the intermediate ares where Douglas and tight end Hunter Henry usually work, and Jaylon Johnson can get help rolled toward Brown.
Kyler Gordon could potentially stand as the swing piece again, and he's sure to get a much higher percentage of snaps after his three sack performance on Sunday.
Doubs being out and Brown not looking like himself is no reason for the Bears to be complacent. Drake Maye finished last season only a single vote behind Matthew Stafford for the league's MVP, and though he may have started the season slow, he's on a heater now. Ten touchdowns in his last three games to one interception is a line any quarterback would be proud of.
New England losing Doubs is a gift, not a guarantee. If Chicago squeezes the middle and gets home before Brown settles in, Thursday night sets up exactly how Dennis Allen wants it.
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