As they prepare for the biggest game of the season, the Bears are dealing with injuries to two of their top three cornerbacks.
Coach Matt Nagy called rookie Jaylon Johnson “day to day” after he hurt his right shoulder in the third quarter of the Bears’ win against the Texans on Sunday. Nickel cornerback Buster Skrine remained in concussion protocol after being injured in the Bears’ loss to the Lions on Dec. 6.
The Bears held a walk-through Wednesday and said that neither cornerback would have practiced had the workout been more intense. The same went for safety Deon Bush, who has a foot problem.
Four players who have dealt with injuries recently — outside linebacker Khalil Mack (shoulder), tight end Jimmy Graham (hip), receiver Darnell Mooney (knee) and outside linebacker James Vaughters (knee) — would have practiced in full.
With Skrine out Sunday, the Bears turned to second-year cornerback Duke Shelley, who has played 53 snaps. Rookie Kindle Vildor played 14 snaps in Johnson’s place.
The Vikings, who play the Bears on Sunday, practiced Wednesday without linebacker Eric Kendricks (calf), tight end Kyle Rudolph (foot), running back Alexander Mattison (illness), fullback C.J. Ham (quad) and defensive tackle Armon Watts (back).