Bears GM Ryan Poles announces various roster updates including disappointing news on an injured starter
Leading up the the Chicago Bears Week 6 matchup in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars, general manager Ryan Poles took some time to speak with the media.Poles addressed a few different roster moves that were made going into Week 6, including a disappointing update on starting safety Jaquan Brisker.Brisker did not travel with the team […]
Leading up the the Chicago Bears Week 6 matchup in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars, general manager Ryan Poles took some time to speak with the media.
Poles addressed a few different roster moves that were made going into Week 6, including a disappointing update on starting safety Jaquan Brisker.
Brisker did not travel with the team to London after self-reporting concussion-like symptoms suffered in Week 5. According to Poles, Brisker is still in concussion protocol as of Thursday and will not play against the Jaguars.
Brisker has been the heart of the Bears' secondary through the first five weeks of the season and his absence will be heavily missed on the backend of the defense. Sunday will be Brisker's five game missed due to a concussion since being drafted in 2022.
Elijah Hicks is expected to start in place of Brisker alongside veteran Kevin Byard. Hicks made his season debut on defense in Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers on the final drive after the team benched the starting unit. Hicks allowed 11 receptions on 14 targets for 160 yards and four touchdowns during the 2023 season.
At the position, the Bears also have Jonathan Owens and could look to elevate Tarvarius Moore from the practice squad.
On Thursday, Poles also added that the team opened the 21-day practice window for veteran defensive Jacob Martin. Martin was placed on the injured reserve prior to the season with a toe injury and did not appear in the preseason. However, the veteran turned a lot of heads during his first offseason in Chicago.
As for offensive linemen Larry Borom and Ryan Bates, who are also on the injured reserve and eligible to have their return window opened this week, Poles noted that Borom is "getting closer" and Bates is "getting healthier." But, no official moves have been made at this time for either player.
The Bears general manager also announced a new addition to the practice squad. The Bears brought back tight end Tommy Sweeney to fill the open spot that was created after the Houston Texans signed tight end Teagan Quitoriano to their active roster, whom the Bears signed to their practice squad last week.
Sweeney was with the Bears leading up to the season but was one of the players released to form the initial 53-man roster. Sweeney had nine receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns during the preseason for the Bears.
Caleb Williams has the perfect opportunity in Week 6 to keep doing exactly what the Bears are expecting see out of him
The improvement has been evident.
