Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (quad) and running back David Montgomery (ankle) will not play in Sunday’s game against the Giants, per the Bears’ injury report. Defensive end Robert Quinn (illness) was limited in Friday’s practice and is questionable.
All three are key starters. But the most significant development Friday might have been the status of kicker Cairo Santos, who is questionable after missing practice Thursday and Friday for personal reasons.
The Bears have back-ups for Johnson (rookie Jaylon Jones, Lamar Jackson), Montgomery (Khalil Herbert) and Quinn (Trevis Gipson and Dominique Robinson). But they have no back-up kicker.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus would not even address Cairo’s status or any contingency plans the Bears might have.
“I’m not answering that question,” he said sharply. “He’s got a personal issue and we’ll see where it goes from there.”
Rookie wide receiver Velus Jones (hamstring) had full participation in practice Friday for the first time since Aug. 16 and is questionable — but is likely to make his NFL debut against the Giants, both as a kick returner and wide receiver.
Johnson will miss his second consecutive game with the quad injury he suffered in practice last week. Rookie Kyler Gordon and Kindle Vildor started at cornerback against the Texans, with Jones playing outside in the nickel package and Gordon moving inside.
Montgomery injured his ankle in the first half against the Texans last week. Herbert, who had been in a rotation with Montgomery, took over the lead role and rushed for 157 yards and two touchdown on 20 carries (7.9 avg.), including a 52-yard run.
Elsewhere on the injury report, safety Dane Cruikshank (hamstring) is out. Linebacker Matt Adams (hamstring) and tight end Ryan Griffin (achilles) are doubtful. Rookie linebacker Sterling Weatherford (ankle) is questionable.
Welcome, rookie
Jones, an undrafted rookie from Mississippi, is expected to get another chance after an uneven performance in 32 snaps against the Texans — his first snaps on defense in the NFL. He had a good week in practice, Eberflus said.
“Just more consistency,” Eberflus said when asked what he’s looking for from Jones. “He had some really good snaps — really good coverage snaps. He did a really good job in the run game. That’s always a big issues for the corner. I thought he did a nice job with that.”
What might have been
The Bears interviewed Bills assistant general manager Joe Schoen and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll before the Giants hired both. The Giants are 2-1 for the first time since 2016.
Daboll and Eberflus were on the same Cleveland Browns staff in 2009-10.
“Brian Daboll’s an excellent coach,” Eberflus said. “He has an excellent track record. Can really coach up the quarterbacks. Does a great job on offense. Now he’s doing a great job leading this team. Much respect to him. You can see what he’s done with [quarterback Daniel Jones]. Better rhythm. Better timing. I can’t say enough about Brian.”
