Bears Update Status of Braxton Jones, Roschon Johnson for Week 8

Bears Jones Johnson

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields remains week-to-week in his recovery from a dislocated thumb, per head coach Matt Eberflus ahead of practice on October 25. That sets rookie Tyson Bagent up to make his second career start in Week 8 versus the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite Fields still being banged up, the Bears are otherwise getting some reinforcements back in the mix.

“#Bears roster move: We have designated OL Braxton Jones and DL Khalid Kareem for return from Injured Reserve,” posted the Bears Communications team on October 25.

Bears’ Braxton Jones, Roschon Johnson Return to Practice

Eberflus noted that both players will practice in some capacity on Wednesday. He said they will make a determination on availability later in the week. The same goes for running back Roschon Johnson who has missed the last two weeks recovering from a concussion.

The Bears will be without right guard Nate Davis as he recovers from an ankle injury suffered in Week 5. Safety Jaquan Brisker was not at practice during the portion open to the media on Wednesday while right tackle Darnell Wright was limited as he works through a shoulder injury. That is still a lot of moving parts but they are healthier than they’ve been in any previous week.

Even their Week 7 offensive line alignment had Teven Jenkins and Cody Whitehair in their spots from last season, offering some semblance of continuity up front.

Bears Visit an Old Friend This Week

The Bears hit the road to face the Chargers and will get reacquainted with EDGE rusher Khalil Mack, who spent four seasons in Chicago before the front office traded him ahead of the 2022 campaign as they began their rebuild.

Since leaving, Mack has recorded 15 sacks, but seven of them have come just this season alone.

However, six of them came in one game in Week 5 versus the Las Vegas Raiders.

Bears fans are familiar with Mack’s production coming and going in that fashion. But his impact is typically consistent. It is something the Bears’ offensive line needs to be wary of. They did well with Maxx Crosby in their Week 7 win and, before that, with the Minnesota Vikings blitzes in their loss in Week 5.

Bears Negotiating New Contract with Jaylon Johnson

One of the most positive developments in the wake of their win over the Raiders is cornerback Jaylon Johnson saying he and the team are having discussions about a new contract. A former second-round pick of the previous regime, Johnson showed out with two interceptions in Week 7. He even returned one for a touchdown.

He has maintained that he wants a new deal and that he would prefer it be with the Bears. But he also made clear his confidence in his ability to find that deal. And that is regardless of which team it comes from.

The Bears project to once again be among the teams with the most cap space next offseason.

It will come down to both sides striking a middle ground. The Bears did it with tight end Cole Kmet but failed to do so with Roquan Smith.