Sam Darnold's supporting cast is going down like flies.
The Jets rookie quarterback will almost certainly be without wide receiver Robby Anderson (ankle) and center Spencer Long (knee/finger), who both are officially listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Bears. Darnold & Co. were already without wideout Quincy Enunwa (high ankle sprain) and running back Bilal Powell, who suffered a season-ending neck injury next week.
"We got a few guys banged up, but we got guys in here," Bowles said Friday of his depleted wide receiver corps. "They've been practicing. We expect them to play well on Sunday."
Darnold's top five receivers in Chicago will be Jermaine Kearse, Andre Roberts, Charone Peake, Deontay Burnett and newly acquired Rishard Matthews, who have a combined 23 catches for 210 yards and no touchdowns this season. Excluding Kearse, the other four guys have a combined seven catches for 45 yards.
It's unclear what role Matthews, who was signed this week, will have in his first game with his new team.
"We'll have a plan for him on Sunday if he plays," Bowles said. "I'm not expecting him to learn everything all at once. We got other guys that can play as well."
The Jets will start either Jonotthan Harrison or Dakota Dozer at center for Long, whose ailing fingers prompted several poor snaps in recent weeks. His knee injury suffered last week only compounded matters.
"It was getting worse by the week," Bowles said of Long's finger injury.
The list of injured players also includes cornerback Mo Claiborne (shoulder/foot) and left tackle Kelvin Beachum, who are both questionable but expected to play. Safety Marcus Maye (broken thumb) will be a game day decision. Cornerback Buster Skrine practiced fully after clearing the concussion protocol.
"It's a big test," Bowles said of overcoming the rash of injuries. "But these guys have been chomping at the bit to play. They've been practicing hard and they get their chance."
