The Chicago Bears made it to the bye week intact after starting 0-2. They won two straight games against desperate opponents, all while going through significant injury problems. Head coach Ben Johnson and his staff navigated the stormy waters. With an extra week off, it was hoped the team would have a chance to regroup, make corrections, and most importantly, get healthy. Johnson stood before the media for the first time since the break on Tuesday and had good news to report.
It was made official that defensive end Austin Booker and running back Travis Homer have been activated off Injured Reserve, allowing them to resume practice. That means both have a chance to play Monday night in Washington. Booker should be a major help to the pass rush, while Homer is a key special teams presence. It doesn't end there. Both cornerback Kyler Gordon and tight end Colston Loveland insisted they expect to suit up for the game as well. If that proves true, the Bears will be closer to full strength than they've been all season.
Ben Johnson is still waiting on one notable name.
That is right tackle Darnell Wright. He missed Chicago's game in Las Vegas with an elbow injury. It wasn't certain what his status would be for this game. The Bears already replaced left tackle Braxton Jones with Theo Benedet. If Wright can't go, it will be the first career start for 2nd round pick Ozzy Trapilo. There is also the lingering absence of Jaylon Johnson. Needless to say, the Bears aren't all the way back yet. Still, getting all of the above names on the field, along with linebacker T.J. Edwards, is incredibly timely against a good team like Washington. They need all the help they can get against the best rushing offense in the NFL.
Ben Johnson knows how important this game is, both for the team's schedule and the players' psyche. Almost all of them were there last season for the Hail Mary fiasco. They need a win. He should have enough pieces in place to make it happen now. We'll see how the team responds.
