The Chicago Bears’ secondary is facing a significant setback as they prepare for their Week 8 road game against the Washington Commanders. According to sources close to the team, starting safety Jaquan Brisker and cornerback Kyler Gordon have been ruled out due to injuries, leaving the Bears’ defense shorthanded for this crucial matchup.
Brisker, Gordon Sidelined by Injuries
Brisker, a key contributor in the Bears’ secondary, has been in the concussion protocol since October 7th. Despite making progress, head coach Matt Eberflus revealed that the safety still had “a couple more steps to go” before being cleared to play. The absence of Brisker, known for his hard-hitting style and ability to create turnovers, will undoubtedly be felt by the defense.
Meanwhile, Gordon sustained a hamstring injury during the second quarter of the Bears’ Week 6 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The cornerback did not return to action in the second half, and his status for Sunday’s game remained uncertain throughout the week. With Gordon officially ruled out, the Bears will need to rely on their depth to fill the void left by the promising young defender.
Next Men Up: Hicks and Blackwell
In the absence of Brisker and Gordon, the Bears will turn to safety Elijah Hicks and nickel cornerback Josh Blackwell to step up and take on starting roles. Hicks, who will be making his second start of the season, impressed in Week 6 against the Jaguars, recording five tackles, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup. His performance has given the coaching staff confidence in his ability to fill in for Brisker.
Blackwell, tasked with replacing Gordon, also made a significant impact in the Jaguars game, intercepting quarterback Trevor Lawrence and deflecting a pass. Coach Eberflus praised the backup defenders, stating, “Those guys were going to step up and step in and do a really good job, and they did. It’s because they’ve been in our system. They know the positions. They know how we operate. They know the fundamentals and the basics of our system, and to plug and play those guys in there, it wasn’t that big of a step for them.”
Roster Moves and Injury Updates
In addition to ruling out Brisker and Gordon, the Bears made several roster moves on Friday. Wide receiver/running back Velus Jones Jr. and fullback Khari Blasingame were released, with Jones being subject to waivers. A third-round pick in the 2022 draft, Jones had been inactive since Week 2 after fumbling a kickoff return in the season opener against the Tennessee Titans.
The Bears did receive some positive news on the injury front, as offensive tackle Larry Borom (ankle) and running back Travis Homer (finger) returned to practice this week. Both players are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Commanders after opening their 21-day window to return from injured reserve.
Looking Ahead to the Commanders
As the Bears head to FedExField to face the Commanders, they will need their backup defenders to step up and maintain the high level of play that has characterized their secondary thus far. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity will be tested, as they look to secure a crucial victory on the road.
The Commanders, meanwhile, will aim to capitalize on the Bears’ defensive absences and exploit any potential weaknesses in their secondary. With both teams looking to improve their standings in the NFC, this Week 8 clash promises to be a hard-fought battle until the final whistle.
As the Bears navigate through these injury challenges, the team’s depth and resilience will be put to the test. The coaching staff remains confident in the abilities of their backup players, trusting that they will rise to the occasion and help the team secure a victory in this pivotal matchup against the Commanders.
