Latest Chicago Bears’ injury sparks trade chatter, but the team showed it has the talent and depth needed to step up if necessary
The injury to Tyrique Stevenson raised some major concerns for the fanbase in Week 7.
The Chicago Bears came away with a fourth consecutive victory in Week 7 after a double-digit win against the New Orleans Saints, but the team did suffer two notable losses on the injury front.
Outside cornerback Tyrique Stevenson left the game with a shoulder injury, and tight end Cole Kmet left the game with a back injury. Neither player returned Sunday, so their statuses are worth monitoring this week.
Head coach Ben Johnson will provide a more detailed update on both later Monday, but Stevenson’s injury is the biggest one fans seem to be concerned about.
After Jaylon Johnson was placed on the injured reserve with a groin injury, Stevenson took over the CB1 role on the outside with Nahshon Wright starting opposite him. This was the same starting duo the Bears used throughout camp, but the lack of depth has always been a concern.
With Stevenson’s status now in question after Week 7, some fans have considered making a trade at cornerback, but I believe the Bears already have the talent and depth if needed.
Bears have players ready to step up if Tyrique Stevenson is forced to miss time
When Stevenson went down, Wright was joined by Nick McCloud on the outside with Kyler Gordon manning the nickel. Wright briefly left the field after a collision with Kevin Byard, forcing the team to move Gordon outside and putting Josh Blackwell in at nickel for one play until Wright returned.
All in all, the depth held up. Wright allowed two receptions on six targets for 18 yards and one touchdown, but had a nice interception. McCloud was not targeted on 17 coverage snaps. Gordon allowed just three yards on two targets.
It was encouraging to see Wright and McCloud, especially, play at that level. Entering Week 7, Wright and McCloud allowed a 131.7 and 95.8 passer rating in coverage and have been liable for giving up a big play. That didn’t happen on Sunday.
Having Gordon back on the field helps as well, either on the outside or a nickel, and it’ll be interesting to see where defensive coordinator Dennis Allen deploys him if Stevenson is forced to miss time.
“I’ve told him that he needs to be learning both of those spots,” Allen said of Gordon’s versatility over the summer. “We’ll figure out where that second position is where he can go and compete. Hopefully, we can find some more playing time for him.”
At the same time, Gordon’s impact in the run game and blitzing the quarterback from the nickel shined against the Saints, which explains why McCloud was the first one to move outside after Stevenson went down.
Regardless, the Bears actually have some depth to make it work if needed in the short term. I don’t see the Bears making any rash decisions on the trade market, depending on the severity of Stevenson’s injury, of course.
Chicago Bears News
Ben Johnson finally made a change fans wanted and it sparked a more dynamic run game in Week 7 with exciting results
Kyle Monangai’s breakout in Week 7 is finally giving Ben Johnson his ideal 2RB offense.
