On Friday, some troubling news for Chicago Bears fans came up. Two new players on the defensive line were placed on the injury report, and one already on the report, got ruled out. This could be detrimental for the Chicago Bears and their fans because the defensive line has been scrutinized for lack of depth and overall talent level. Bears’ GM Ryan Poles has been trying to address these issues by making trades.
Two Bears Edge Rushers Injured
Starting defensive end DeMarcus Walker was added to Friday’s injury report as a limited participant with a groin injury, after practicing all week without an injury designation. It’s never a good sign when a new player appears on a Friday injury report. Walker is officially listed as questionable for the Chicago Bears against the Tenessee Titans.
This could be a huge blow to the Bears’ defensive line if DeMarcus Walker can not go this Sunday. But, it would provide massive opportunities for rookie DE Austin Booker and journeyman DE Daniel Hardy. Both had nice preseason campaigns to make the Chicago Bears’ 53-man roster and would need to play well in Walker’s absence to earn more playing time moving forward. Austin Booker is longer and bigger than Daniel Hardy, but Hardy has good strength and a wicked spin move. Both are quick off the line.
More troubling, however, was the addition of another defensive end – newcomer Darrell Taylor. Taylor came to the Chicago Bears a few weeks ago in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. He was added as a key rotational player to provide much-needed depth on the defensive line and pass rush. Taylor was also an addition to Friday’s injury report and did not participate in practice with a foot injury. Though Taylor is not listed as a starter on the Chicago Bears’ depth chart, he is a big part of the plan for the defensive coaching staff. Darrell Taylor practiced all week without an injury designation until Friday and is officially questionable for Sunday’s game at noon CDT.
Chicago Bears’ DT Ruled Out
Continuing with the concerning news on the defensive line, rotational tackle Zacch Pickens was downgraded from a limited participant in practice the previous two days, to DNP on Friday and has subsequently been ruled out for the game on Sunday. This thins out the interior of Chicago’s run defense. Zacch Pickens has a big body at 6’4” 300 pounds, and will be sorely missed against the running attack of the Tennessee Titans RB duo of Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears.
Positive Updates for Chicago Bears
Both starters, DE Montez Sweat and WR Keenan Allen were upgraded from limited participants in practice all week, to full participants on Friday. Both are relatively new acquisitions to the Bears as part of GM Ryan Poles’ plan to restructure the team on both sides. Sweat came over in a mid-season trade last year from the Washington Commanders and had six sacks and 25 total tackles for the Bears. Keenan Allen was acquired this offseason from the Los Angeles Chargers, coming off of his career-best season statistically, despite missing the last four games for the Chargers with a heel injury.
Montez Sweat has been nursing a toe injury for several weeks, but given that he was upgraded on the practice report, he should be able to play as long as he has no setbacks in pregame warm-ups. Keenan Allen has been battling a heel injury in conjunction with a cleat issue for a few weeks now and the Bears should be more concerned about his status for the game than Sweat’s. “Questionable” is the official game designation for both important players on Sunday for the Titans game at Soldier Field.
Also upgraded to full participants on Friday’s practice report were running back Roschon Johnson and OT Kiran Amegadjie. Roschon Johnson should see some playing time on Sunday and Amegadjie is the second-string left tackle, should starter Braxton Jones need to come out of the game. Backup left guard Ryan Bates has been on the injury report all week but has now been a full participant in two consecutive practices. All three players were cleared of injuries and carry no designations heading into the game on Sunday.
Final Thoughts
The Chicago Bears will need all the depth and focus they can muster for their first game of the year. Both offensive and defensive lines have been the biggest question marks for the Bears heading into this game. Thursday night’s opening game of the NFL season between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs showed the rest of the league what to expect from NFL officials this season. Linemen play was a huge factor and an emphasis from the officials to put the rest of the league on notice.
Several personal fouls, illegal procedures, holding, and roughing penalties were called on both teams, but one team in particular more than the other. The same could likely happen for the Chicago Bears’ matchup at home against the Tennessee Titans. If extra stringent officiating gets piled on top of some injuries to key players, it could factor into the outcome on Sunday. The Chicago Bears’ lines on both sides need to play with discipline and clean technique for their respective units to play up to their full potential.
For More Great Content
Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.
Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!
Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
