The Chicago Bears have been beset by injuries in numbers this organization hasn't seen in years. It reached a new crisis level on Saturday with the news that all three of their starting linebackers are out, with Tremaine Edmunds going on Injured Reserve. Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon have still not returned. That means the defense will be down six starters on Sunday against Pittsburgh. If that weren't enough, left tackle Theo Benedet is also looking iffy for the game after a practice injury on Thursday. Head coach Ben Johnson has to be wondering what's going on.
What stands out the most about the situation is the types of injuries being suffered. It'd be one thing if they were knee, ankle, elbow, and other various joint-related problems. However, the vast majority of losses have been of the soft tissue variety: hamstring, groin, quad, and calf. When this happens, it often raises questions about whether the training staff has properly conditioned the players. Mason West, a clinic director for Ignite Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, was asked if the strength and conditioning coaches deserve blame for this.
His answer required no explanation.
Ben Johnson likely regrets overlooking that area of his staff.
Remember, head trainer Andre Tucker and strength coach Pierre Ngo are holdovers from the previous coaching staff. Tucker has been with the team since 2018, and Ngo was promoted this offseason. Ben Johnson likely felt maintaining some stability in the weight room was the wisest course of action. In hindsight, it would've been better if he'd sought out people who would know how to handle the specific demands he'd be making of the players in the coming months.
The same thing happened to Lovie Smith in 2004. Injuries also ravaged that team. Smith fired the training staff the following offseason and brought in a new group. The problems immediately decreased. It feels like Johnson must be prepared to do the same thing after this season is over. Winning a Super Bowl is almost impossible unless you can keep your roster mostly healthy.
