The Chicago Bears are approaching their Week 8 contest against the Baltimore Ravens as though two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson will start. As of Wednesday, that appears to have been a wise decision.
Jackson has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, missing the Ravens’ last two outings with a bye week in between.
The Ravens started career backup Cooper Rush in his stead, losing both games.
Lamar Jackson’s Return to Ravens Practice Looms Large for Bears
Ben Johson: Bears Preparing to Face Lamar Jackson
Bears head coach Ben Johnson met with local media on Wednesday, noting that he and his staff had gotten a “head start” on their preparation for the Ravens the night before. As part of that, Johnson said they are planning for Jackson to play.
Jackson was estimated as a non-participant in the Ravens’ estimated practice on Monday.
A short while after Johnson’s comments, Jackson took the practice field for the Ravens, albeit not in his typical role.
“Lamar Jackson returned to practice Wednesday, which is the first time he’s been on the field since he injured his hamstring 24 days ago,” ESPN’s Jamison Hensley reported on X on October 22. “Jackson looks like he will be limited in practice, taking reps behind Tyler Huntley and Cooper Rush.”
With Jackson back on the practice field, his level of participation is key, with Johnson telling reporters before practice on Wednesday that “we’ll approach it that he’s starting for them, and that’s our starting point.”
Jackson has 869 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 1 interception on 76.1% completion in four starts.
He has another 166 yards and 1 touchdown on 21 carries. His legs are a critical aspect of his game, so the hamstring issue is especially impactful.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that he does not believe Jackson will return to game action this week against the Bears. Instead, Graziano pointed to the Miami Dolphins in Week 9 as a more likely target date.
Graziano also noted that Jackson’s participation level during the week is the key.
Bears Missing Key Players to Start Week
The Bears had multiple notable players missing from the practice field for their first session of the Week, with starters in tight end Cole Kmet, running back D’Andre Swift, wide receiver DJ Moore, and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson all sitting.
Moore was limited at one point last week with a groin injury picked up in Week 6, but he played against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7, so his situation will be one to monitor, for sure.
Swift had a hip injury a few weeks ago, then he popped up with a groin issue last week.
Like Moore, Swift played against the Saints, though the Bears also gave rookie seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai a season-high 13 carries, nearly doubling his previous mark. Swift bested his own previous season high by two totes, and could see Monangai heavily involved in Week 8.
Kmet (back) and Stevenson (shoulder) were both banged up against the Saints and did not finish the game. Also not spotted was reserve running back Roschon Johnson.
On a positive note, linebacker Noah Sewell (concussion) and Grady Jarrett (knee) returned to practice.
The other injured Bears have two more chances to prove they are up for a game on Sunday. They visit the 1-5 Ravens looking to earn their fifth straight win.