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EDIT - And now Roquan is ruled out.
EDIT 8/29 - This is not ideal..
#Bears LB Roquan Smith has been downgraded to doubtful for today’s game.
— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) September 29, 2019
EDIT 8/29 - According to a report from ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Akiem Hicks will not play against the Vikings today. This move was foreshadowed yesterday when the Bears added defensive lineman Jonathan Harris to the 53-man roster from their practice squad (pour one out for Bradley Sowell again), so expect Nick Williams to get the start in his place. Nose tackle Eddie Goldman could see an uptick in snaps, as could backup Abdullah Anderson.
But also keep an eye for some different looks up front from Chuck Pagano.
With the #Bears missing Akiem Hicks and Bilal Nichols on the d-line today, look for some creative fronts from defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano to try to confuse the Vikings offensive line. Especially with them starting a rookie center and back up at right guard.
— Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. (@wiltfongjr) September 29, 2019
The injury bug has crept up on the Chicago Bears for this week’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, but it’s not all bad news for the Bears. Starting right tackle Bobby Massie was a full practice participant this week after missing Monday Night’s game with vertigo.
But let’s move on to the full injury report...
WR - Taylor Gabriel (concussion) - Out
DL - Bilal Nichols (hand) - Out
TE - Trey Burton (groin) - Questionable
DL - Akiem Hicks (knee) - Questionable (OUT per report)
RG - Kyle Long (hip) - Questionable
K - Eddy Pineiro (knee) Questionable
ILB - Roquan Smith Out
Burton is questionable, but he was a full participant on Wednesday and Thursday, before being limited today. Him having a limited day on Friday could just be precautionary, so it might be all systems go for the all-important U position in Matt Nagy’s offense.
The defensive line could really use Hicks, especially with Nichols still out, but it sounds like he’ll be inactive today. He didn’t practice all week after leaving the Monday nighter with a sore knee, so sitting this one out, then possibly again next week in London against the Raiders with the bye coming the following week would give his knee plenty of rest. Long practiced on Wednesday, but was held out the last two days. If he can’t go look for Ted Larsen to get the start.
With Gabriel out the Bears will probably give Anthony Miller the start, with some more reps for Javon Wims, and we could also see rookie Riley Ridley active for the first time this year.
Pineiro kicked through a pinched nerve on Monday night, so I would expect him to do the same on Sunday.
The Minnesota Vikings only list three players on their report this week. Starting guard Josh Kline is out with a concussion and back up linebacker Kentrell Brothers is also out with a wrist and hamstring injury. Cornerback Mackensie Alexander is questionable with an elbow, but he was a full participant at practice today.