The Bears’ two top draft picks this year missed Wednesday’s walkthrough while in concussion protocol.
Cornerback Kyler Gordon went to the locker room Sunday during the Bears’ 27-24 loss to the Falcons because of a concussion. Safety Jaquan Brisker, a fellow second-round rookie, finished the game.
Brisker has been one of the Bears’ best defensive players. The Penn State alum is one of three defensive backs in the NFL with at least three sacks — he leads the Bears — and an interception this year.
Defensive backs coach James Rowe said the two were “very limited” in what they could do in game prep this week. He said the Bears will simplify their game plan to make it easier for them if they’re able to return for the game against the Jets.
“We’re trying to navigate our best way through it, even if it comes to limiting some of the calls,” he said. “That way, if they’re able to play, it’s nothing that we’re springing on them.”
DeAndre Houston-Carson likely would take Brisker’s place were he unable to play. Jaylon Jones replaced Gordon on Sunday.
“It’s the NFL,” linebacker Nicholas Morrow said. “Guys have to be ready. Whether it’s backups or starters, you have to be prepared.”
Patrick out
Center Lucas Patrick won’t return this season after having toe surgery this month, coach Matt Eberflus said. Patrick would have been eligible to return to practice this week after spending four games on injured reserve.
He left the Bears’ Oct. 24 victory against the Patriots in the first quarter and was replaced by Sam Mustipher, who had been benched days earlier.
“He’s been in every meeting,” Eberflus said. “He’s been engaged the last couple of weeks.”
Patrick was the Bears’ biggest offseason offensive splurge. The team signed him to a two-year, $8 million deal to lure him away from the rival Packers. General manager Ryan Poles said then that the team valued his mean streak and hoped it would be spread across the offensive line.
He hurt his thumb early in training camp, though, and was forced to play guard rather than his preferred position of center at the start of the season. His move back to center for the game against the Patriots was part of the Bears’ self-analysis during a 10-day break.
This and that
Right guard Teven Jenkins, who warmed up Sunday, then told the coaching staff he was only able to be a backup, would have been a full participant had the team practiced. That seems to open the door for him to start Sunday.
Putting a hampered Jenkins on the active roster instead of a healthy Alex Leatherwood for the Falcons game was “the best thing for our football team at the time,” Eberflus said.
† Linebacker Sterling Weatherford missed the walkthrough with a concussion.
† Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (elbow) and tight end Kenny Yeboah (calf) did not practice.
† Backup tight end Ryan Griffin, who played for the Jets from 2019 to 2021, will be the Bears’ honorary captain Sunday.
