The Chicago Bears are navigating a two-game suspension for Pro Bowl defensive end Montez Sweat. But the Bears also face an issue with Tyrique Stevenson, which has been overshadowed by the Sweat news and other developments.
In addition to losing Sweat for the two games, the Bears activated Shemar Turner from injured reserve, using the spot vacated by the suspension.
They have not made a decision on Kyler Gordon, with a little more time to spare on his clock.
However, the lack of movement with Gordon makes Stevenson’s status even more important as the Bears prepare to face familiar faces in former assistant general manager Ian Cunningham and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. against the Atlanta Falcons on the road in Week 6.
Injury Update on Tyrique Stevenson Looms Large for Bears
Tyrique Stevenson Injury Overlooks as Bears Face Montez Sweat Suspension
Stevenson exited during the third quarter of the Bears’ loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 5 with a hamstring injury following a deep pass attempt from Jordan Love to Christian Watson.
Green Bay scored a touchdown with Love finding Watson on third-and-22 two plays later. The Bears ruled him doubtful to return during the next defensive series, which came less than five minutes later in terms of game time.
Stevenson has battled a hamstring since Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Bears are already without Gordon. He should (heavy emphasis there) be back in the mix soon. They remain without starting free safety Coby Bryant.
Bryant was the Bears’ prized free agent. He suffered a knee injury that required surgery and is expected to remain out until at least the middle of December. The Bears also saw defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo and linebacker T.J. Edwards go down with injuries in Week 5.
An already maligned group is not facing the threat of missing starters at all three levels.
That makes the unenviable task that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen faces in trying to stop Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts of the Falcons this week more daunting.
The Bears will hold a closed walkthrough on Wednesday. The injury report that follows will be an estimate. Bears head coach Ben Johnson will still speak with reporters beforehand. His update (if any) will be the only tell until Thursday’s practice, when they actually take the field.
Spotlight on Bears GM Ryan Poles
Of the Bears’ two perimeter starters–Stevenson and two-time Pro Bowler Jaylon Johnson–the former has allowed the lower completion percentage on throws in his coverage, per Pro Football Reference. Stevenson has allowed 60% to Johnson’s 83% mark on three fewer targets.
Neither mark is satisfactory or something the Bears can consistently win with.
This week could be telling for the Bears. They still have yet to play Clark Phillips III on defense in a game. The Bears acquired Phillips in the Dexter trade. They also recently re-signed Nick McCloud.
Still, losing Stevenson would only further exacerbate the Bears’ issues. That puts the onus on Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles. They must determine the best next course of action.
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