The Chicago Bears had plenty to be happy about from their first preseason games. Their rookie class performed really well, headlined by draft picks Luther Burden and Kyle Monangai. Defensive end Austin Booker dominated the entire game with three sacks. Both quarterbacks also led productive scoring drives. However, not everything went their way. No definitive answers came in the left tackle competition. The pass rush outside Booker was mostly inert, and tackling was an issue. Yet the biggest concern didn't become apparent until after the game.
The Bears are suddenly banged up at cornerback.
Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon were already out with leg and hamstring injuries. Zah Frazier hasn't been present all summer due to a personal issue. Now, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, four other corners left that game on Sunday with ailments. If they're all significant enough to miss time, it is believed the Bears could be scouring the cornerback market for help.
Keep an eye on the cornerback position with Jaylon Johnson (leg), Kyler Gordon (hamstring), Nick McCloud (unknown), Terell Smith (groin), Ameer Speed (unknown) and Zah Frazier (personal) out or potentially sidelined this week. I’d also note that Tre Flowers played a lot and looked a little banged up at the end of the game.
If there are injuries that are going to take some time, I’d expect some potential roster moves.
Depth at corner was one of the strengths of this team. That should tell you how serious the injury situation is. Sometimes the football gods turn your strength into a weakness.
The Chicago Bears will have a few notable names to consider.
Probably the biggest still available is Asante Samuel Jr., a former 2nd round pick who played well in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, he's probably waiting for a starting job. He won't find that with the Chicago Bears. Rasul Douglas, Ronald Darby, and Kendall Fuller are some other interesting names out there who have solid track records. Much of this depends on the severity of the injuries for everybody involved. If guys like Gordon and Smith are going to miss extensive time, it makes sense for the Bears to add somebody who can handle significant snaps for a few weeks. Otherwise, they are more likely to pursue younger, cheaper options. We will likely find out within the 48-72 hours as the Bears prepare for their second preseason game.
