The Chicago Bears have overcome seemingly insurmountable odds multiple times this season, but an illness spreading up and down their roster is threatening to undo them in Week 17 as they prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers on “Sunday Night Football.”
Five players were listed with it during the week, with one ruled out and two others questionable.
The latest to come down with the mysterious setback is starting right tackle Darnell Wright. He was a late addition to the injury report on Saturday, along with a slew of Bears’ roster moves.
Bears Give Bad News on Darnell Wright, Cut Ex-Packer From Roster
Bears Add Darnell Wright to Injury Report
The Bears’ offensive line has been key to the team’s success this season, creating holes in the run game and protecting quarterback Caleb Williams. Wright is also emblematic of their in-season turnaround from a penalty-prone bunch to “The Avengers,” as Williams calls them.
Wright is “Bucky” because of the brace on his right arm, Williams said.
The third-year pro is also playing really well, making Saturday’s update to his status significant, albeit unsettled.
“OL Darnell Wright (Illness) has been added to the Injury Report and will not travel with the team on Saturday,” Bears Communications posted on X on December 27. “Wright’s Game Status is QUESTIONABLE for Sunday night against the San Francisco 49ers.”
Wright has only missed two games in his career.
The first was in Week 9 during the 2024 season, and the other came in Week 4 this year against the Las Vegas Raiders.
It would be a significant loss, but the Bears are uniquely prepared to handle it. They have former starting left tackle Theo Benedet on the bench. He began his NFL career as a guard before moving to right tackle, with opportunities on the left side coming this season.
The Bears’ other moves suggest that could be the case, too.
Bears Add 3 Players in Roster Shuffle
The Bears bolstered their game-day roster depth, perhaps in preparation for Wright’s absence, activating rookie offensive lineman Luke Newman from injured reserve. Newman was a sixth-round pick by the Bears in the 2025 draft.
He was joined by veteran cornerback Dallis Flowers and rookie UDFA J.P. Richardson, both of whom were elevated from the practice squad.
Richardson is getting an opportunity with Rome Odunze out.
That is despite Luther Burden III returning from a one-game absence and Devin Duvernay getting over his bout with the illness making its way through the Bears’ locker room. DJ Moore and Jahdae Walker are also healthy and available.
The Bears’ decision on Flowers could suggest Nahshon Wright will not be able to go as he navigates the illness and a hamstring issue.
Wright capped a week of limited participation with a DNP.
Bears Cut Ties With Former Packers Draft Pick
The Bears also willingly reduced their roster count, announcing they had cut ties with defensive tackle Jonathan Ford.
Ford was a seventh-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2022.
He has played in eight games this season, adding special teams work to his defensive role throughout the campaign. Ford could be a candidate to return to the Bears’ practice squad after the 49ers game. Assuming he clears waivers and wants to remain in Chicago, that is.