Safety Eddie Jackson, who has missed the Bears’ last three games with a foot injury, is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Vikings at Soldier Field. But there’s still a good chance the Bears’ secondary could be whole for the first time since Week 1.
Cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon practiced in full on Friday and are expected to play against the Vikings. Jackson was limited in practice Friday but coach Matt Eberflus said he was “very hopeful” Jackson could play Sunday.
“We ramped him up a little bit [Wednesday and Thursday], but he was good to go [Friday],” Eberflus said. “It’s always good to have his leadership back there. It’s good to have him paired back there with [Jaquan] Brisker. That’s always a positive thing.”
Jackson said this injury was not related to the Lisfranc injury that forced him to miss the last five games of the 2022 season. So he’s played only one full game out of the last 10.
“You just miss it, especially going out last year, being away from football. It sucks,” Jackson said. “It gets frustrating. You want to hurry up and get back.”
Whether it’s Sunday or next week against the Raiders, the Bears likely will have their starting secondary — expected to be the team’s strongest unit — together soon. Gordon has missed the last four games with a broken hand. Johnson has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.
“We’re eager,” Jackson said. “Trust me, we’re talking about it, having the defense — the full defense — back on the field getting everything clicking.
“The chemistry is a big thing. Game 1 was the first time the whole defense was [together] and now you can see that the chemistry is getting better. Everything’s starting to fall into place. We’re just trying to get all these pieces back so we can get this thing rolling how we want it to roll.”
Herbert, St. Brown on IR
Running back Khalil Herbert (ankle) and wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (hamstring) were put on injured reserve Friday, meaning they will miss at least the next four games.
Running backs Roschon Johnson (concussion) and Travis Homer (hamstring) and rookie cornerback Terell Smith (ankle/illness) also are out. Center Lucas Patrick (concussion) practiced in full Friday but is questionable. Reserve center Doug Kramer, who has been on injured reserve all season, practiced in full and is eligible to be activate from IR.
Blitzing Brisker
Safety Jaquan Brisker led the Bears with four sacks last season, but doesn’t have one in five games. He’s not blitzing as often as he did last year, but expects that to change.
“I don’t know the reason. I just do what the coach tells me to do. I’m a team player,” Brisker said. “I do want to be involved, so whether they call my name or don’t … it’s a long season. I know it’s going to come. I’m definitely ready.”
This and that
— Tight end Cole Kmet (hamstring), who was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday, practiced in full on Friday and will play against the Vikings.
— Quarterback Nathan Peterman was promoted to the 53-man roster, making him eligible to be the emergency quarterback behind Justin Fields and rookie Tyson Bagent.
— Defensive tackle Andrew Billings will be the honorary captain against the Vikings.
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