Bears’ questionable roster decision-making leading up to Week 8 backfired due to conditions outside of Ben Johnson’s control
The Chicago Bears suffered multiple injuries to the defensive line in Week 8.
Heading into the Week 8 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, the Chicago Bears made a lot of roster moves on Saturday, placing two players on the injured reserve, including standout cornerback Kyler Gordon. But the move that wasn’t made raised more eyebrows.
Second-year defensive end Austin Booker was not activated to the 53-man roster for Week 8, the third straight time the team elected not to activate him since opening his 21-day practice window to return from the injured reserve. Since opening his window, Booker has been a full participant in each practice over the last three weeks.
“More than anything, I think we felt completely good about the guys we had up,” head coach Ben Johnson explained about the decision-making with Booker ahead of Week 7. “I think he is progressing along nicely, and I think he’s going to be able to help us.”
Against the Ravens, Chicago went into the game with only four defensive ends in Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, Dominique Robinson, and Daniel Hardy. It’s worth mentioning that Gervon Dexter Sr. and rookie Shemar Turner offer versatility as well. But that edge depth got tested on Sunday.
Bears suffered multiple defensive line injuries in Week 8 against the Ravens
On the opening kickoff on Sunday, Robinson suffered an ankle injury and didn’t return, leaving the team with just three pure defensive ends. In the fourth quarter, Turner was ruled out as well with a knee injury. Even Dexter briefly left the game but eventually returned.
Granted, no one can predict injuries, much less multiple injuries to the same position group. However, with an open roster spot, the Bears likely wished Booker had been activated and available in hindsight.
Defensively, the Bears managed to record two sacks (one by Sweat and one by Dexter) but failed to properly contain Ravens backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, who rushed for 53 yards.
Booker is a player the Bears hoped would return soon and bring a boost to the defensive front off the edge against the run and rushing the passer, which made this decision even more confusing for the coaching staff.
Booker’s 21-day practice window will expire on Tuesday. If he’s not activated to the 53-man roster at the start of the week, he’ll revert to the injured reserve for the remainder of the season. One should expect that move to finally be forced based on these latest injuries.
Chicago Bears News
Bears standout CB Kyler Gordon got a sliver of good news he was hoping to hear despite landing on injured reserve before Week 8
Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon needed a little bit of good news this weekend.
