Ben Johnson knows it. Caleb Williams knows it. The Chicago Bears as a whole are aware that they cannot allow Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby to “wreck the game,” as the QB phrased it, but that could be much more difficult than initially anticipated.
The Bears’ first injury report of the week left plenty of uncertainty around the status of five starters, including rookie first-round draft pick Colston Loveland.
The most significant absence, however, was right tackle Darnell Wright.
Darnell Wright Injury Looms Large for Bears With Raiders DE Maxx Crosby on Deck
Bears RT Darnell Wright’s Injury Could Prove Costly
Wright suffered an elbow injury during the Bears’ Week 3 win over the Dallas Cowboys, and that issue kept him out of Wednesday’s practice.
The No. 10 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, Wright has missed one game in his career. It was a loss to the New England Patriots in Week 10 of the 2024 season, in which the Bears were also without left tackle Braxton Jones.
Without Wright, the Bears could turn to Theo Benedet, who could see plenty of Crosby.
According to Pro Football Focus, Crosby has aligned on the left side of the defense for 156 of his 184 defensive snaps this season.
He is also rallying his teammates heading into this matchup off back-to-back losses, though both teams are 1-2. Notably, though, Wright has been middle of the Bears’ pack – which is still below average – as a pass blocker this season.
Benedet has been the Bears’ best pass blocker.
However, that has come in just 27 snaps and often as an additional eligible man, who, so far, has been tasked with bolstering what had been inconsistent protection entering Week 3.
The Bears were also without cornerback Kyler Gordon, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, linebacker T.J. Edwards, and Loveland. The Bears have gotten by without Gordon so far, but attrition eventually takes its toll.
They just have to hope it does not happen this week as they seek back-to-back wins.
Bears Rave About Maxx Crosby
The Bears were effusive with praise for Crosby to start the week, acknowledging the kind of impact he can have.
“Really good team that we’re about to face here this week. Got a lot of respect for their playmakers all across the field. Defensively, obviously, it starts with Maxx Crosby there,” Johnson told reporters on September 24.
“In my opinion, he’s a top-five player in this league on defense and probably doesn’t get the recognition that he deserves. He’s all over the place, relentless, high motor, and you got to account for him and know where he’s at every single snap or else he’ll get you. And he wrecks drives. That’s what he does.”
Johnson also lauded the Raiders’ speed on the defensive side of the ball and their plethora of playmakers on offense, like tight end Brock Bowers, at quarterback Geno Smith’s disposal. It was clear, though, that Crosby is the player the Bears are most wary of.
“He’s Maxx Crosby,” Williams told reporters after Wednesday’s practice. “Something that you … need to be aware of for every single play, and understand the type of player that he is and how much he can affect the game, and how much he does affect a game and a game plan. And like I said, you got to be aware of him at all times and make sure that we do everything we can to not allow him to be able to wreck the game.”
There are two more practice sessions this week before the Bears take on the Raiders.
That means two more opportunities for Wright and the rest of the injured Bears to make some headway towards returning to action before facing the Raiders.