The Chicago Bears have managed to navigate the NFL minefield when it comes to injuries so far this season. One can only pray that continues for them. Health is often the most deciding factor in the fate of seasons for many teams. Sadly this appears to be the case for their upcoming opponent on Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons.
Their injury list might be one of the ugliest in the NFL right now. Two players are already ruled out for the game in defensive backs Ricardo Allen and Kendall Sheffield. On top of that, they have five names who are deemed questionable for the game. Most of which barely practiced all week. Among them include Julio Jones, starting tackle Kaleb McGary, and starting defensive ends Takkarist McKinley and Dante Fowler Jr.
Things couldn’t possibly get worse right? Never ever say that. According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN, another name is now unlikely to play. That being the Falcons’ 1st round draft pick in cornerback A.J. Terrell.
Source tells me Falcons could be without rookie CB A.J. Terrell for Sunday’s game against the Bears. Could be a big blow with Kendall Sheffield (foot) and Ricardo Allen (elbow) already ruled out.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) September 26, 2020
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Sure enough just a few minutes later it was reported Terrell would be going on the reserve/COVID-19 list. A brutal blow for an already depleted defense.
Tough news for a Falcons defense already dealing with injuries. A.J. Terrell, the team's first-round pick, is going on the reserve/COVID-19 list today. https://t.co/cCtvPZtiCU
— Will McFadden (@willmcfadden) September 26, 2020
Atlanta Falcons could not afford this loss
Don’t forget the Falcons already have the worst pass defense in the NFL so far this year. Dak Prescott just got done hanging 450 yards on them last week. Now they face the prospect of not having one of their starting cornerbacks while both of their primary edge rushers may not play either. It doesn’t get much worse than that.
From the Bears’ perspective, this is a situation they absolutely must take advantage of. Mitch Trubisky has had some good moments the first two weeks but hasn’t delivered a complete game yet. This trip to Atlanta presents him the best opportunity he’s likely to get all season for a breakout performance. There aren’t any excuses for him to not play well.
This team has a reputation for playing down to their opponents. It feels like this should be a game they not only win but win handily.