The Bears have backups for all the players on their injury report except one: kicker Cairo Santos, who’s questionable for Sunday’s game against the Giants after missing practice Thursday and Friday for personal reasons.
Coach Matt Eberflus would not even address Cairo’s status or any contingency plans the Bears might have.
“I’m not answering that question,” he said sharply. “He’s got a personal issue, and we’ll see where it goes from there.”
The Bears worked out three kickers Friday — Josh Lambo, Michael Badgley and Brian Johnson.
Lambo has the most NFL experience — six-plus seasons with the Chargers and Jaguars. He went 76-for-80 (95%) on field goals from 2017 to ’20 with the Jaguars but was released in 2021 after going 0-for-3 in three games.
Lambo sued the Jaguars and alleged a hostile work environment in May after accusing then-coach Urban Meyer of kicking him during training camp in 2021. He’s seeking $3.5 million, which was his salary that year, and money for emotional distress.
Badgley, a four-year NFL veteran, made 18 of 21 field-goal tries (86%) in 13 games with the Colts last season. Johnson was 10-for-10 on field goals for the Saints and Washington in seven games as a rookie last season.
As for the other injured Bears, cornerback Jaylon Johnson (quad) and running back David Montgomery (ankle) will not play. Defensive end Robert Quinn (illness) was limited in Friday’s practice and is questionable.
Velus Jones looks ready
Rookie wide receiver Velus Jones (hamstring) had full participation in practice Friday for the first time since Aug. 16 and is questionable — but is likely to make his NFL debut against the Giants.
Elsewhere on the injury report, safety Dane Cruikshank (hamstring) is out. Linebacker Matt Adams (hamstring) and tight end Ryan Griffin (achilles) are doubtful. Rookie linebacker Sterling Weatherford (ankle) is questionable.
Welcome, rookie
Jaylon Jones, an undrafted rookie from Mississippi, is expected to get another chance after an uneven performance in 32 snaps against the Texans — his first snaps on defense in the NFL. He had a good week in practice, Eberflus said.
“Just more consistency,” Eberflus said when asked what he’s looking for from Jones. “He had some really good snaps, really good coverage snaps. He did a really good job in the run game. That’s always a big issue for the corner. I thought he did a nice job with that.”
What might have been
The Bears interviewed Bills assistant general manager Joe Schoen and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll before the Giants hired both. The Giants are 2-1 for the first time since 2016.
Daboll and Eberflus were on the same Browns staff in 2009-10.
“Brian Daboll’s an excellent coach,” Eberflus said. “He has an excellent track record. Can really coach up the quarterbacks. Does a great job on offense. Now he’s doing a great job leading this team. Much respect to him. You can see what he’s done with [quarterback Daniel Jones]. Better rhythm. Better timing. I can’t say enough about Brian.”
