This is what the Chicago Bears chose to announce today. They’ll meet the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday without both of their starting offensive and defensive lines. Injuries have forced both right tackle Darnell Wright and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett out. That puts the Bears in a tough spot as they approach this potentially career-defining third game.
Where Darnell Wright shone as the Bears’ left tackle against the Dallas Cowboys to help ensure their latest upset win. Unfortunately, he suffered a catastrophic injury while playing in that game. Although he returned to finish the contest, his condition has not improved sufficiently for him to participate against the Raiders. With Wright out, Theo Benedet will be called upon to step into the lineup and fill the right tackle spot.
Grady Jarrett’s first as a Bear will be in San Francisco. He’s been struggling with a chronic knee injury over the last few weeks. A two-time Pro Bowler, Jarrett made his way to the Bears after ten dominant seasons in the Atlanta Falcons trenches. His leadership and experience will be sorely missed, as the Bears face a loaded Raiders offense.
On top of the losses of Wright and Jarrett, the Bears have a number of other injury issues as well. Cornerback Kyler Gordon is questionable for Sunday’s game due to a hamstring injury. In other injury news, starting tight end Colston Loveland is dealing with a hip injury that’s left his availability in jeopardy as well. Running back D’Andre Swift is in the same boat with his own hip injury.
As the Bears navigate these injury challenges, they will need to focus on maximizing their remaining resources and preparing effectively for their upcoming opponent. The coaching staff should – and almost certainly will – make more changes to the lineup and game plan. Third, they want to make up for the lack of these important players’ absence.
Leave a Reply