It’s safe to say the Bears’ bye week couldn’t have come at a better time. Coming off a harrowing Week 5 loss to the Raiders, and a generally tumultuous opening to the season, the off-week represented a chance to reset both physically and mentally.
This week’s matchup with the NFC South-leading New Orleans Saints will be a barometer of the Bears’ ability to put the past behind them entering an exceedingly difficult stretch of their schedule. The news earlier this week that Akiem Hicks likely won’t return until Week 15 was obviously a blow to the team’s hope of a second-half surge, but Wednesday’s injury report offered a couple reasons for optimism:
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Most notably, quarterback Mitch Trubisky was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, which is a good sign after head coach Matt Nagy said today he was ‘cautiously optimistic’ that Trubsiky would be able to go on Sunday.
Also of note were Bilal Nichols (hand) and Taylor Gabriel (concussion) being full participants. Nichols has been sidelined for the past month with a broken hand, while Gabirel hasn’t played since suffering a concussion in Week 3 against Washington.
The Saints’ report also contained a few notable names, including superstar RB Alvin Kamara, who didn’t practice Wednesday (knee, ankle). Kamara had an ankle issue flare up in practice two weeks ago, but was able to suit up for last week’s win against the Jaguars. He wasn’t his usual self in that game, though, registering only 11 carries for 31 yards and seven catches for 35 yards in the contest. Coach Sean Payton said afterwards that he tweaked his knee during the game.
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It’s probably not far enough into the week to read too much into this just yet, but stay tuned on Kamara’s status. If he’s unable to go, or continues to be hampered by these injuries, it could mean trouble for the Saints’ offense.
Saints tight end Jared Cook and wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith were both unable to practice Wednesday, as well.
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