The Bears ruled out two starters for Sunday: receiver Taylor Gabriel, who is still in the NFL’s concussion protocol, and defensive end Bilal Nichols, who broke his hand in the team’s second game.
Gabriel caught three touchdown passes against the Redskins before being injured.
The rest of the team’s injury report for the Vikings game reads like a who’s-who.
Kicker Eddy Pineiro is questionable because of a pinched nerve in his right knee, though he was limited in practice Friday after sitting out two days. The Bears have stressed that he’ll kick through the pain.
Pro Bowl defensive end Akiem Hicks is questionable; he’s yet to practice this week after hurting his right knee.
“Whatever we need to do to get him ready to go, we’ll do,” coach Matt Nagy said.
Four-time Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long, who hasn’t practiced the last two days because of a hip problem, is questionable. So is tight end Trey Burton, who was limited on Friday with the same groin injury that’s nagged him since the preseason.
Nagy said Burton was limited because the team didn’t want him working too much on the team’s indoor turf Friday. Nagy said Burton will play Sunday.
Safety Eddie Jackson (shoulder) and running back Mike Davis (personal) both practiced in full Friday and will play Sunday.
With Gabriel out, the Bears could turn to fourth-round pick Riley Ridley, a rookie who’s yet to play this season.
