NASHVILLE, Tenn. — There was one more issue on the Bears offensive line Sunday. A group already depleted by positive tests for coronavirus and injuries will play without backup Lachavious Simmons against the Titans.
The team put Simmons on the reserve/COVID-19 list and promoted Aaron Neary from the practice squad to replace him. Simmons’ test result from Saturday came back positive and was confirmed early Sunday. He had traveled with the team, so is safety quarantining away from the Bears. He’s working with the league on what to do next.
There were no high-risk contacts, meaning that the Bears won’t have to bench anyone else.
To take his place, the Bears promoted Aaron Neary, the practice squad player they signed early this week. He’s appeared in one career game.
Simmons was not expected to start, but the Bears were relying on him for depth and possibly some special teams work.
It’s been a brutal week on the offensive line. The team lost starting right tackle Bobby Massie to a knee injury against the Saints, and his backup, Jason Spriggs, tested positive for coronavirus the next day.
Center Cody Whitehair is also out because of a calf injury and a positive test. Backup center Sam Mustipher is out with a knee injury.
The Bears will likely have three new or out-of-position starters against the Titans: Rashaad Coward at right tackle, Alex Bars at center and Arlington Hambright at left guard.
Safety Deon Bush was put on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday night. He had come into contact with someone who was positive in his personal life, but did not test positive himself. He, like Simmons, is quarantining away from the team.
