Injuries Add Intrigue Ahead Of Bears Game This Weekend

During the Bears' impressive victory last week, several players left the game due to various injuries. Most significant among those is the ankle injury sustained by starting RB Khalil Herbert. Herbert fell awkwardly, attempting to reach back for a pass from Justin Fields.

All three active runningbacks left the game last week after sustaining injuries. Roschon Johnson suffered a concussion after a brutal hit that somehow wasn't penalized. Travis Homer had to leave the game after injuring his hamstring.

Wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown also hurt his hamstring Thursday night. Here is a recap of the injuries from Thursday:

Khalil Herbert Ankle

Travis Homer Hamstring

Cole Kmet Hamstring

Roschon Johnson Concussion

Lucas Patrick Concussion

Terrell Smith Ankle

Equanimeous St. Brown Hamstring

On this week's injury report, only Kmet and Smith were able to practice in a limited capacity.

Is Help On The Way?

Three defensive backfield starters are hoping to return to the lineup this week. Kyler Gordon was designated to return from his 4-week stint on the list. There is a 21-day window available for him to return to the active roster, but hopefully, we see him activated this week. Eddie Jackson and Jaylon Johnson returned to the practice field on Wednesday. Johnson has said publically he would return to the lineup.

Reserve center Doug Kramer was also designated to return. He was placed on the injured list when the roster was trimmed to 53 players prior to the season. If Patrick hits the injury list while he is in concussion protocol, Kramer's return is a welcome sight.

Minnesota Loses Their Best Receiver To Injury

The Vikings lost all-pro receiver Justin Jefferson when he injured his hamstring in Minnesota's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. in their last game. Jefferson was placed on the injury list, meaning the Vikings will be without their most explosive player for a minimum of four weeks.

The injury comes at the worst possible time for the Vikings. They have stumbled to a 1-4 record, and the loser of this week's Bears-Vikings game will have sole possession of last place in the NFC North.