Injuries Plaguing Bears Secondary
The Bears could be without cornerback Jaylon Johnson and running back Khalil Herbert for their season finale at Lambeau Field.
Johnson is doubtful for the game with a shoulder injury that knocked him out of last week’s game. He said on Thursday he plans to try to play but the injury is enough of a problem that he’s going to need a sudden and significant upgrade Saturday to be in Sunday’s game. The Bears are holding out hope it happens.
“He just obviously knows the position really well,” coach Matt Eberflus said. “He can really execute at a high level. He knows the coverage and everything.
“Just little tweaks here and there. So he’d be ready to go. He’s been engaged in the meetings for sure.”
If Johnson misses the game, it will be his 14th missed game in four seasons. He has never missed less than two games in a season.
Herbert popped up on Thursday’s injury report with a back injury and was limited in practice. On Friday, he was held out entirely and is questionable for the game. Herbert is coming off consecutive 100-yard games.
The only player listed as out is wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who suffered a concussion against Arizona in Week 16 and has been out since then.
A couple of other late-week injury situations occurred Friday as slot cornerback Kyler Gordon was listed questionable due to a calf injury that cause him to miss part of Friday’s practice. Starting center Lucas Patrick had a limited practice Friday due to a calf injury, as well, and is also questionable.
Tight end Cole Kmet returned Friday for his first full practice of the week and has been gradually ramped up throughout the week. He is questionable for the game after getting in for only 13 plays last week due to a knee injury.
Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent was back for a full practice after illness kept him off the practice field earlier in the week and he was removed from the injury report. Also removed was DJ Moore, who was limited with an ankle injury on Wednesday and Thursday but went through a full practice on Friday.
The Bears will not face running back AJ Dillon or safety Rudy Ford in the game. Dillon is out due to a neck stinger and Ford a hamstring injury. Linebacker Isaiah McDuffie is doubtful with a concussion. Questionable players are wide receiver Christian Watson (hamstring), guard Elgton Jenkins (knee, ankle), tight end Luke Musgrave (kidney), wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (chest), wide receiver Jayden Reed (chest) and tackle Luke Tenuta (ankle).