Bears inside linebacker Josh Woods has been ruled out for Sunday’s game with what the team called a personal reason.
To take his place, the Bears promoted linebacker Devante Bond, who was signed to the team only Friday.
Woods did not play a single down for the Bears on defense in Week 1, but appeared on 19 special teams plays. His absence Sunday leaves the Bears perilously thin at inside linebacker behind starters Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith.
Joel Iyiegbuniwe is the team’s only proven backup at the spot, but, like Woods, he’s primarily a special teamer. Iyiegbuniwe didn’t play a single defensive snap against the Lions, either. He played only three defensive snaps for the Bears last year.
The Bears open their home slate Sunday against the Giants at noon. Their defense will try to bounce back from a lackluster Week 1 effort against the Lions, particularly against the run.
