Josh

Blackwell

Being limited in consecutive practices generally puts veterans on track to play, so overall, this is a good sign. Given the duration of Johnson’s groin rehab, dating back to July, and his new calf issue, we would really like to see Johnson graduate to full participation on Saturday. The Bears face the Vikings in Week 1’s Monday Night Football game. Bears LB T.J. Edwards (hamstring) did not practice but DB Josh Blackwell (Groin) was upgraded to limited.

Johnson’s leg issue was initially reported as a hamstring injury, suffered in a “freak accident,” but it was recently reported as a groin injury instead. The calf aspect is entirely new, and we do not know when it happened. The Bears need Johnson on the field if they hope to contain Justin Jefferson in primetime on Monday night, but his status is firmly in the questionable camp despite today’s participation. Bears LB T.J. Edwards (hamstring) and DB Josh Blackwell (Groin) did not practice.

A backup slot corner and punt returner, Blackwell is now under contract through the 2026 season and can earn up to $6 million on his new deal, per The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov. Blackwell returned seven punts for 146 yards and one touchdown last season while also totaling 13 tackles and one interception — the first of his career. Blackwell is one of two key special teamers new head coach Ben Johnson has already opted to bring back as he continues to build the roster for his inaugural season.

Here we go. Herbert was injured in the Bears’ Week 5 win over the Commanders and placed on injured reserve shortly after. The third-year back was off to a hot start before going down, totaling 355 yards from scrimmage on 61 touches while averaging 5.8 yards per touch. Herbert will presumably step into his RB1 role once fully healthy, and could have an outside shot at playing on Thursday night against the Panthers. With his 21 day window now open, the Bears don’t have to play Herbert on Thursday if he’s not yet ready to go. It’s possible they opt to sideline him until Week 11 when they take on the Lions. In addition to Herbert, the Bears also opened the 21 day window for WR Equanimeous St. Brown and DB Josh Blackwell.