Originally published on NBC Sports Chicago, Bears injury report: Tyrique Stevenson’s late injury could open door for Terell Smith
Chicago’s Lake Forest — After suffering a devastating 31-26 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 11, the Bears appeared to be in good health this week.
the middle Lucas Patrick sustained a back injury that forced him to leave the game against the Lions, but he played all out on Friday and Saturday. He will take the field against the Vikings on Monday in Minnesota.
D’Onta Foreman, a running back, may not be available for the Bears. Due to an ankle injury, the veteran running back had to leave the Lions game. He was not allowed to play against the Vikings all week and is unlikely to do so.
The Bears will likely split the backfield reps between Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson if Foreman is unable to play. When Herbert returned to action last Sunday, he appeared rusty. In the defeat, the third-year back managed just 35 yards of total yardage on 16 carries (2.2 yards per attempt). In an attempt to start a crucial drive late in the game, the Bears passed the ball to Herbert on consecutive plays; however, he only managed to gain one yard, and the Bears ultimately punted.
After the defeat, Herbert remarked, “I just have to find a way to make a play.”
In his second game back following an ankle injury that kept him out of five games, the Bears anticipate seeing a more explosive Herbert.
When asked if Herbert was a little rusty, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy responded, “I think it’s always fair to say, especially for a runner.” “Just like we discussed with Justin, you can kind of see that he improved as the game progressed—after being out for so long, it takes time to get back on your feet. We hope he has a wonderful day when he comes out.
Tyrique Stevenson, a rookie cornerback, suffered a late-game injury to his ankle during practise for the Bears. Stevenson is being evaluated to determine the severity of the tweak and whether he will be able to play on Monday, head coach Matt Eberlfus said on Saturday. For the game, he has a questionable listing.
Terell Smith, another rookie, will get the start if Stevenson is unable to play. Following his return from mono last Sunday, Smith was used by the Bears in every third series to gain experience.
Terell Smith, another rookie, will get the start if Stevenson is unable to play. Following his return from mono last Sunday, Smith was used by the Bears in every third series to gain experience.
The Bears have been pleased with Smith’s physicality and ability to quickly process and apply everything that is thrown at him, even though his rookie season was filled with ups and downs.
Eberflus stated on Saturday of Smith, “Terell has looked good all the way back to training camp.” “Considering his age, he is mature. He is unaffected by anything. He is a great student who responds well to coaching. Thus, coach Hoke has been an excellent cornerbacks coach for a considerable amount of time. He takes everything in very well. He has excellent speed, sound technique, and sound fundamentals. Because he can play against bigger receivers, we like his size. It seems like there is a trend in the league with those large receivers. He performs admirably when facing those guys.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Smith has given up nine receptions on 17 targets for 115 yards so far this season. When throwing against him, opposing quarterbacks have a passer rating of 74.4.
Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson of the Vikings is listed as doubtful. Due to a hamstring injury, Jefferson has been on injured reserve since Week 5. The Vikings can activate him off of injured reserve by Monday at 3 p.m.
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