The Chicago Bears were one of the healthiest teams last season and at the right time. That isn’t the case heading into a pivotal division game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Bears released their inactives for today’s game, and they’ll be without several key players on offense and defense, including DL Akiem Hicks (knee), RG Kyle Long (hip), WR Taylor Gabriel (concussion), DL Bilal Nichols (hand) and RB Mike Davis (personal).
But the surprise inactive is ILB Roquan Smith, who was ruled as doubtful for today’s game for “personal reasons” just two hours before kickoff.
That means the Bears defense will be without Hicks, Smith and Nichols against Dalvin Cook and the Vikings’ run game. Not exactly encouraging for what’s an important division contest in Week 4.
The pressure will definitely be on for QB Mitch Trubisky and the Bears offense to deliver with some key defensive pieces not playing.
K Eddy Pineiro, who has been dealing with a pinched nerve in his right kicking leg, is active, as is TE Trey Burton after being limited on Friday and tabbed as questionable.
