It’s only Week 2 in the NFL, but the matchup on Sunday Night Football this weekend already feels like a huge game for the Chicago Bears. Starting the season 1-0 is great, but their offense was non-existent in that victory. That’s why it feels like an enormous game. We still need to see something, or anything, from the Bears’ talent-rich offense. Bears fans must temper their expectations this week because some key players are hurt.
The Fearful Four
Thursday’s football practice for the Chicago Bears brought forth four players listed as DNP, who were all major contributors in the Bears’ first game: Wide receivers Rome Odunze (knee) and Keenan Allen (heel), fullback/special teamer Khari Blasingame (hand/knee), and offensive lineman Ryan Bates (shoulder/elbow).
The wide receivers are of the utmost concern here. It’s expected that Rome Odunze will not play because of an MCL sprain. Odunze was not a major contributor in Week 1 but is expected to become one. Keenan Allen (heel) is the wild card. If Allen can go without being encumbered physically, then the Chicago Bears’ offense should be able to operate as normal. If Allen can’t go, the Bears’ offense will depend on DeAndre Carter, Tyler Scott, and possibly Velus Jones Jr., to take the game reps at wide receiver.
Khari Blasingame (hand/knee) is a special teams ace and will be sorely missed if he can’t suit up. He’s also an extra protector in the backfield during some passing situations to help protect QB Caleb Williams, and gets deployed as a lead blocker in the power run game. He rarely touches the ball, but can be effective in short yardage and gadget play situations. Every NFL team should have a good fullback, especially the Chicago Bears.
Ryan Bates (shoulder/elbow) didn’t start the last game at right guard, but he played more than double the snaps of starter Nate Davis. That was not due to Davis being injured, but rather due to rotations for game situations and player matchups. Bates could potentially be a big loss up front as a backup because it’s anticipated that Nate Davis will take over more reps after missing some time in training camp for personal reasons.
The Terrific Two
Defensive tackle Zacch Pickens (groin) has been missed as a force in the middle for the Chicago Bears’ run defense. That was the one area where the D-line struggled in the first game, getting blown off the ball by the Tennessee Titans offensive line on many running plays. Pickens will be greatly needed against the strong running game of the Houston Texans this week, and he took a step in the right direction on Thursday. Zacch Pickens was upgraded from a limited participant in practice on Wednesday to a full participant on Thursday. That’s welcome news for a unit needing a boost.
Chicago Bears defensive end DeMarcus Walker (foot) played well in the first game registering two total tackles and four hits on Titans QB Will Levis. Walker will be a marquee component in a potential Bears’ victory as a pass rusher against the Texans. Walker got an upgrade of his own – from a DNP at Wednesday’s practice to a limited participant on Thursday. If DeMarcus Walker can practice fully on Friday, he will start again at defensive end. But there could also be some caution and gamesmanship in play if the Chicago Bears keep him as a limited participant and list him as questionable for the game.
Final Thoughts
With Walker and Pickens trending in the right direction, the Chicago Bears should feel confident defensively heading into Sunday Night Football. The Bears’ defense needs to be at full strength to have the best chance of containing the dynamic offense of the Houston Texans. The Chicago Bears offense, on the other hand, will be fortunate to get three out of four key players healthy enough for this primetime showdown in Houston.
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