In a significant blow to their secondary, the Chicago Bears have officially placed star safety Jaquan Brisker on injured reserve. The promising young defensive back has been in the NFL’s concussion protocol since October 7th and will now miss a minimum of four games.
Brisker’s Concussion Timeline
Brisker, 25, initially sustained the concussion during the Bears’ Week 5 victory over the Carolina Panthers. The injury occurred when he forced a turnover, a play that showcased his impact on Chicago’s defense. However, Brisker reported concussion-like symptoms the following day and did not travel with the team to London for their Week 6 matchup.
Since entering the protocol, Brisker has missed four consecutive games. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus provided updates on his status, indicating that the safety was still experiencing symptoms that prevented him from progressing through the league’s five-step concussion protocol.
“He’s made progress. He’s got into the meetings, he’s got into the walk-through and got into those things and then has those symptoms. Again, it’s always gonna be about his safety and his health and where he is.”
– Bears head coach Matt Eberflus on Jaquan Brisker’s concussion recovery
Previous Concussion History
Troublingly, this marks Brisker’s third diagnosed concussion over the past three seasons. As a rookie in 2022, he missed two games after sustaining a concussion against the Atlanta Falcons. In that instance, Brisker was evaluated for a head injury twice during the game but allowed to return on both occasions.
Last season, Brisker was also evaluated for a concussion following a collision in a game against the Las Vegas Raiders. While he finished that contest, the safety was ruled out the following week against the Los Angeles Chargers with what the Bears initially described as an “illness” before diagnosing it as a concussion. He went on to miss two games.
Impact on Bears Defense
A second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Brisker quickly established himself as a key piece of the Bears’ defensive backfield. He has started all 35 games he has appeared in since entering the league, bringing physicality, ball skills, and leadership to the safety position.
With Brisker sidelined, the Bears will likely turn to veteran Dane Cruikshank and backup Deon Bush to fill the void. However, replacing Brisker’s impact and versatility will be a tall order for defensive coordinator Sean Desai.
Road to Recovery
By placing Brisker on injured reserve, the Bears have ensured that he will miss at least the next four games. This will give the young safety ample time to fully recover from his concussion symptoms and potentially reduce the risk of future head injuries.
The Bears, like all NFL teams, will continue to adhere to the league’s strict concussion protocol. Brisker will need to progress through the following phases before being cleared to return to action:
- Phase 1: Symptom limited activity
- Phase 2: Aerobic exercise
- Phase 3: Football specific exercise
- Phase 4: Club-based non-contact training drills
- Phase 5: Full football activity/clearance
While the Bears will undoubtedly miss Brisker’s presence on the field, the organization recognizes the importance of prioritizing player health and safety. As one of the franchise’s rising stars, ensuring Brisker’s long-term well-being is paramount.
Looking Ahead
With Brisker on injured reserve, the Bears will face the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers without one of their defensive cornerstones. These divisional matchups and the battle against a perennial NFC contender will test the depth and resilience of Chicago’s secondary.
As the Bears navigate this challenging stretch, they will lean on the leadership of veterans like Eddie Jackson and the potential emergence of young talents like rookie Kyler Gordon. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity will be crucial to their playoff aspirations in an increasingly competitive NFC North.
For Jaquan Brisker, the road to recovery will be a step-by-step process that demands patience and perseverance. Bears fans, coaches, and teammates alike will eagerly await his return to the field, knowing the immense impact he can have on the team’s success. Until then, the focus remains on his health and well-being as he works to overcome this latest setback in his promising young career.
