Bears first injury report for Week 18 riddled with injured starters
The Chicago Bears have released their first injury report for Week 18's season finale against the Green Bay Packers following practice on Wednesday. The report showed a bad sign for the Bears to kick off the week of preparation after four of the team's starters did not participate. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson, wide receiver Darnell Mooney, […]
The Chicago Bears have released their first injury report for Week 18's season finale against the Green Bay Packers following practice on Wednesday.
The report showed a bad sign for the Bears to kick off the week of preparation after four of the team's starters did not participate.
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson, wide receiver Darnell Mooney, tight end Cole Kmet, and long snapper Patrick Scales were all held out of the first day of practice.
Here's the official report released by the team following practice:
Mooney remains in concussion protocol entering Week 18 after missing the Bears Week 17 win over the Arizona Cardinals with the same injury.
Kmet (knee) and Johnson (shoulder) were held out of practice and instead spent the day working with the team's trainers. Head coach Matt Eberflus said prior to practice that both players needed another day and are each looking positive in terms of their respective injuries.
The Bears starting tight end was a game day decision in Week 18 but managed to suit up for the game, although he finished the day without a single reception.
"I wasn’t able to do much, but I kind of did what I could in the run game," Kmet said on Sunday after the game. "[The other tight ends] came up big, moving guys around and making catches when they need to."
Wide receiver DJ Moore was once again listed on the injury report on Wednesday with a nagging ankle injury that has continued to bother him throughout the season. Moore has yet to miss a game in 2023 and was only limited in practice.
Scales (foot) and backup quarterback Tyson Bagent (illness) each also did not participate in practice to start off the week. Scales reported his injury after Sunday's game and in response the team announced the signing of long snapper Matt Overton to the practice squad.
The Bears also announced two other roster changes prior to Wednesday's practice. Wide receiver Collin Johnson was signed to the active roster and to make space for Overton, linebacker DeMarquis Gates was waived from the practice squad.
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