Image Source: Justis Mosqueda
Key Takeaways
- The Chicago Bears have released their final injury report ahead of their wild card matchup against the Green Bay Packers
- Defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson is out with a concussion, suffered in the regular season finale
- Kyler Gordon is listed as questionable after being designated to return from injured reserve with a groin injury
- Starting left tackle Ozzy Trapilo and receiver Rome Odunze are expected to play despite being limited in practice this week
Introduction to the Injury Report
The Chicago Bears have released their final injury report of the week, and it has significant implications for their upcoming wild card matchup against the Green Bay Packers. As the team prepares to face off against their division rivals, they will be without defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who suffered a concussion in the regular season finale. This injury is a significant blow to the Bears’ defense, as Gardner-Johnson has been starting in the slot role for the team this year. According to the report, Gardner-Johnson’s absence will be felt, as he has been a key player in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s "blitz-happy scheme."
Impact of Gardner-Johnson’s Injury
As noted by the Bears, Gardner-Johnson’s injury will require the team to adjust their defensive lineup. The next man up, if healthy, would be Kyler Gordon, who has recently been designated to return from injured reserve with a groin injury. However, Gordon’s status is uncertain, as he was listed as limited on both Tuesday and Wednesday, but was a full participant during Thursday’s practice. As the Bears’ official report states, Gordon is "questionable" for the game, leaving his availability uncertain. If Gordon is unable to play, the team will have to rely on third-string option Nick McCloud, who has been dealing with an illness this week.
Other Injury News
In addition to Gardner-Johnson’s injury, the Bears have several other players who are nursing injuries. Starting left tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who missed last week’s game with a quad injury, is expected to play despite being a limited participant in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. As the report notes, Trapilo’s return is a significant boost to the Bears’ offense, which has struggled with injuries on the line this season. Additionally, starting receiver Rome Odunze, who has not played since November, will also suit up against the Packers after being limited in practice earlier this week. As the Bears look to advance in the playoffs, having these players healthy will be crucial to their success.
Game Plan Adjustments
The Bears will need to make significant adjustments to their game plan in light of Gardner-Johnson’s injury. As defensive coordinator Dennis Allen noted, the team will have to be creative in their defensive scheme to compensate for the loss of their starting slot corner. With Gordon’s status uncertain, the team may have to rely on McCloud or other defensive backs to fill the gap. As Allen stated, "We’ll have to be prepared to make some adjustments on the fly" to counter the Packers’ offense. The Bears will also need to be careful not to put too much pressure on Trapilo and Odunze, who are both returning from injuries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chicago Bears’ final injury report has significant implications for their wild card matchup against the Green Bay Packers. With Gardner-Johnson out and Gordon’s status uncertain, the team will have to make significant adjustments to their defensive scheme. The return of Trapilo and Odunze is a positive development, but the team will need to be careful not to put too much pressure on them. As the Bears look to advance in the playoffs, they will need to be creative and adaptable to overcome their injury woes. As the team prepares to face off against their division rivals, they will be looking to prove that they can overcome adversity and come out on top.
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/green-bay-packers-news/77877/bears-will-be-down-a-defensive-starter-vs-packers