The Chicago Bears are expected to miss a significant portion of their starting offensive line when they face the Tennessee Titans this week, but they may not be as decimated as initially thought.
Right guard Germain Ifedi, who went on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday, is expected to start on Sunday, according to head coach Matt Nagy.
Ifedi went on the reserve/COVID-19 list due to his close proximity with tackle Jason Spriggs, who tested positive for the virus this week. Spriggs is the first active Bears player to test positive this season.
Bears coach Matt Nagy anticipates RG Germain Ifedi being able to play Sunday vs. Titans. He's currently on reserve/COVID-19 list because as high-risk close contact of Jason Spriggs. Ifedi is believed to have tested negative and is on Day 2 of 5-day quarantine.
— Jason Lieser (@JasonLieser) November 4, 2020
Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times writes that it’s believed Ifedi has tested negative for the virus, but must still quarantine for the next few days.
Already missing Spriggs, starting tackle Bobby Massie, and left guard James Daniels with starting center Cody Whitehair and reserve center Sam Mustipher’s status uncertain, Ifedi’s ability to play will greatly benefit a patched-up offensive line. If Ifedi is unable to play, the Bears may turn to rookie offensive lineman Arlington Hambright to fill in.
Ifedi, who signed a one-year deal as a free agent coming from the Seattle Seahawks, has started all eight games for the Bears this season. His status will likely be updated on Saturday, when he can be activated prior to the Bears matchup against the Titans.
