Bears make a safe call with potential major implications and delay a highly anticipated return ahead of matchup vs. Commanders
The Chicago Bears announced the practice squad elevations for Week 6.
Hours away from kickoff against the Washington Commanders to close out Week 6, the Chicago Bears have made some important roster decisions that could have some major implications on “Monday Night Football” later tonight.
Going into the weekend, the Bears only ruled out one player in veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett but had four other players listed as questionable.
Two players have already been added to the ruled out list as of Monday evening and the Bears are making a cautious decision with another key player.
Bears elevated K Jake Moody from the practice squad ahead of Week 6 matchup
The Bears elevated two players from the practice squad ahead of Monday night’s game in defensive tackle Jonathan Ford and kicker Jake Moody. Ford, obviously adds some interior depth with Jarrett inactive, but the elevation of Moody is even more intriguing.
Starting place kicker Cairo Santos was listed as questionable with a right thigh injury going into the weekend. While speaking with reporters on Saturday, head coach Ben Johnson didn’t make any firm decisions when asked about Santos’ status.
“We’ll have a plan,” Johnson explained. “We’ll have a plan and we’ll make sure that we got everything accounted for. I feel good about where we’re at right now.”
That contingency plan is now being set in motion with Moody getting called up to the game day roster. Santos has not yet been ruled out, and will be a name to watch for when inactives are released 90 minutes before kickoff. Update: Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune reported Santos’ injury flared up over the weekend, meaning Moody’s elevation is more than a precaution.
Santos nailed four field goals for the Bears in Week 4 and received the game ball after the win. Moody, meanwhile, was added to the practice squad on September 12th to give the team a backup option at the position after he was waived by the San Francisco 49ers.
DE Austin Booker ruled out ahead of Week 6
For some more housekeeping notes ahead of kickoff. Defensive end Austin Booker and running back Travis Homer were downgraded from questionable to out. Both players had their 21-day practice windows opened to return from the injured reserve this week.
Booker and Homer were both full participants in practice all week, so it’s a little confusing to see this final decision. It seems the staff would like both players to have another week before returning, meaning fans will have to wait another week before seeing what kind of impact Booker could bring to a struggling pass rush.
Chicago Bears News
Ben Johnson shares his vision for the Bears roster and makes it clear what 2025 success truly looks like ahead of the trade deadline
The Chicago Bears head coach has the right approach going into the final stretch of the season.
