The Chicago Bears offense is already one of the worst in the NFL. So exactly how bad can they actually get? Well, they may be set to find out. After stinking up the stadium on Monday night in Los Angeles, the Bears came away with two of their best offensive players ailing with injuries. Cody Whitehair left the game with a calf problem and Allen Robinson with a concussion.
It was hoped the injuries weren’t too serious. However, with it being on a short week the odds of either of them suiting up were always going to be remote. Sure enough on Friday’s final injury report, the Bears declared Whitehair would be out for the game against the New Orleans Saints. Robinson? He was initially listed as questionable but then that was revised shortly later to doubtful.
Not ideal for a struggling team.
Both should not be expected to play. That means the following things are expected. Sam Mustipher, a former undrafted free agent from Notre Dame last year will get the start at center. At wide receiver, it seems like Anthony Miller and Darnell Mooney will see increased workloads with Javon Wims getting more looks as well.
Perhaps the Bears will also activate Riley Ridley too. Something fans have clamored for going back a number of weeks. Can they somehow put together a good performance against a well-coached and prepared team? Everybody is about to find out.
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Revised #Bears Injury Report:
*Please note Allen Robinson II is doubtful for Sunday's game. pic.twitter.com/UPoIAO25Jt— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) October 30, 2020
Chicago Bears will see disaster or hope in this game
It’s easy to think the worst in this situation. The Bears were 29th in the NFL in total offense with Robinson and Whitehair on the field. It’s hard to imagine how much further it could sink without them. That said, their loss could end up being somebody else’s gain. What happens if Mustipher ends up performing better than expected?
Chicago has lots of issues up front. If he shows he can play well as a starter, perhaps that offers the team a potential solution. Maybe keep him at center and move Whitehair to left guard when he’s healthy. Mustipher was an accomplished blocker at Notre Dame. He started 37 straight games and earned a reputation for being smart, nasty, and a tremendous leader.
This is his big shot.
As for Robinson? It’s no secret the Bears and their star receiver remain deadlocked in contract extension talks. Maybe this game will help shed some clarity on exactly how much he means to the offense. If they can’t throw the ball at all? Then one can imagine GM Ryan Pace reconsiders the idea of paying Robinson the money he wants.
On the flip side, if Miller and Mooney end up creating some magic that could also change things. The general feeling is Robinson is destined for the franchise tag next year. It’s hard to believe this one game in early November could swing his future so wildly in a new direction. Yet that is how the NFL works sometimes.
It should be an educational Sunday if nothing else.