The Chicago Bears opened Week 2 with a fresh injury concern in the biggest possible spot: right tackle Darnell Wright did not practice Wednesday because of a knee injury.
Chicago’s first injury report of the week came with plenty more names on it than last week’s, and three players were held out entirely while six others were limited. Along with Wright, defensive tackle Neville Gallimore did not practice because of an illness, and Grady Jarrett was also listed as a DNP due to NIR (Rest).
The list of limited participants included running backs Kyle Monangai, with a hamstring issue, and D’Andre Swift, who is dealing with an ankle/knee injury. Also limited were defensive back Malik Muhammad with an ankle injury, defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo with a shoulder issue, offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo with a knee injury, and safety Xavier Woods with a groin injury.
Wright is the name the Bears will be watching closest over the next two days. He’s coming off a strong performance, was a second-team All-Pro last year and signed a major contract extension last month, so Chicago needs him on the field.
If he can’t make it back, Theo Benedet would be a logical option at right tackle. Benedet filled that role last year in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders and handled it well.
The backfield situation is also worth monitoring with Monangai and Swift both banged up. Both players were hurt late in training camp, and the fact that they’re still practicing is at least encouraging, even if they may be dealing with these issues for a while.
Jarrett and Gallimore are less alarming at the moment. Jarrett’s rest day is part of the normal routine, while Gallimore was out sick, so those absences are more about tracking their status than treating them as major red flags.
Woods is another player to keep an eye on after missing the Week 1 Carolina Panthers game with a groin injury. Cam Lewis stepped in and played well in that spot on short notice.
Muhammad also stands out after making a strong impression at nickel for the Bears. He graded as the best of Chicago’s cornerbacks, allowing better passer ratings than Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson.
The Bears are hoping the injury picture clears up quickly, but early in the regular season, their depth may already be getting tested.
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