Chicago Bears Lose Two More Important Names To Injured Reserve

The Chicago Bears are struggling enough to win games even when they're healthy. Now, injuries have started piling up, particularly on the offensive side. Braxton Jones remains on Injured Reserve with his neck injury. It appears two more names will join him. Running back Khalil Herbert was moved to IR on Friday. This isn't a big surprise. He suffered a nasty-looking ankle injury in the win over Washington on Thursday Night Football last week. The big surprise is that wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown will be joining him.

The key Bears reserve suffered a hamstring injury in the win as well. While it was initially hoped he might be able to get back quickly from it, further tests clarified the ailment was too severe. Both men will be out for the next four games, dealing a blow to the Bears' offensive depth.

Herbert had been Chicago's most explosive runner this season, helping to balance the offense for Justin Fields. His absence puts pressure on veteran D'Onta Foreman to pick up the slack. St. Brown isn't a big loss in the passing game, but his run-blocking was a key part of their success on the ground. That could hurt as well.

The Chicago Bears must lean on their depth.

St. Brown being out will mean more opportunities for rookie Tyler Scott and former 3rd round pick Velus Jones. The team also signed veteran Collin Johnson to their practice squad. His big 6'6 frame has made him a credible run blocker at previous stops in Jacksonville and New York. As for the running game, Foreman is a proven commodity. He ran for over 900 yards last season. While not as explosive as Herbert, he's more than capable of handling a heavy workload and wearing defenses down.

One can only hope he stays healthy, though. Roschon Johnson remains out with a concussion, and Travis Homer is unlikely to play as well. The Chicago Bears will look to their core of Fields, D.J. Moore, Cole Kmet, and Darnell Mooney to keep things on track against Minnesota on Sunday. Nobody is likely panicking inside the building. The big key will be making some minor adjustments around their new personnel. On the flip side, it's probable the Bears defense gets three starters back on defense in Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Eddie Jackson.