According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Carroll has “expressed interest” in the Bears’ head coaching job and wishes to return to the sideline as an NFL head coach for the 2025 season after spending a year away from the gig as an advisor for the Seattle Seahawks.

Carroll spent 14 seasons as the Seahawks’ head coach from 2010 to 2023 and guided the franchise to its first Super Bowl championship following the 2013 season. He also won back-to-back NFC championships for the franchise, posting a 136-89-1 coaching record before mutually agreeing to step down as head coach in 2024 and become an advisor.

Carroll’s candidacy for the Bears’ coaching job is intriguing. Not only did he oversee 11 winning seasons in his 14 years leading the Seahawks, but he also played a critical role in the development of Russell Wilson — who, under Carroll, made nine appearances in the Pro Bowl and led the league in passing touchdowns (34) during the 2017 season.

The Bears cannot start interviewing head coaching candidates for their job opening until January 2025, giving them roughly another week to figure out their targets.

Pete Carroll Has Strong Resume, But Does He Fit With Bears?

From the Bears’ perspective, Carroll reaching the playoffs in 10 of his 14 seasons with the Seahawks could appeal to them, but his background as a defensive coach also seems to clash with what they are reportedly prioritizing in their next head football coach.

According to Schefter, the Bears are seeking an offensive-minded head coach who can focus on developing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Current offensive coordinators such as Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions), Joe Brady (Buffalo Bills) and Liam Coen (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) fit the bill, but Carroll and his history of crafting defenses does not.

Carroll is also a questionable locker room fit for the Bears at 73 years old. One of the many problems with their previous head coach, Matt Eberflus, was that he struggled to relate to the locker room — and Eberflus is nearly two decades younger than Carroll. That’s not to say Carroll could not overcome his age with his eccentric personality, but it would give the Bears an additional concern that a younger coach likely would not.

Ben Johnson Remains Top Candidate for Bears’ Job

Carroll — or, more accurately, his representation — throwing his hat in the ring for the Bears’ coaching job is notable, but it does not change the growing sentiment that there is one candidate who makes more sense than the rest of the field: Johnson in Detroit.

Johnson has earned a reputation as one of the more creative young offensive play-callers in the league over the past three seasons as the Lions’ offensive coordinator, making him highly appealing for a team seeking an offensive mind to lead its roster. Johnson also spoke glowingly about Williams before their Week 16 matchup.

“There’s no question this guy is talented,” Johnson said with a smile on December 19. “I remember standing on the sideline last game, and you can hear the ball whistle by you. He’s got quite a fastball and has some creativity to him. Can extend plays and is accurate down the field as well.”

The bigger question now, though, is whether Johnson truly desires the Bears’ coaching job. Johnson will expectedly be a coach in high demand during the 2025 hiring cycle, and there are other teams with young quarterbacks — or ample resources to get one — who could appeal to Johnson for his first foray into the head coaching arena.

That said, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has reported that the Bears’ coaching job has Johnson “intrigued” beyond the talent they currently have at the quarterback position. Pelissero emphasized that Chicago’s major market and future stadium plans could play a role in his attraction to the job, as could their ample cap space and draft resources.

Time will tell.

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The Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs spoke at length about the challenges facing the Bears during the upcoming 2025 offseason during his December 23 appearance on 670 The Score and expressed doubt about Jenkins signing a contract extension with the Bears.

“I don’t believe they will be inclined to attempt to re-sign Teven Jenkins, who left yesterday’s game with a calf injury,” Biggs said Monday. “He’s been on the injury report with five different body parts this season. I think he needs a fresh start elsewhere.”

Jenkins — a 2021 second-round pick — has played in 45 games and made 38 starts for the Bears over his first four seasons in the league and has touted positional versatility, playing left tackle along with both guard spots for Chicago. Unfortunately, his health has raised serious questions about his long-term viability as a starter for the Bears.

As Biggs mentioned, Jenkins has spent time on the team’s injury report with thigh, ribs, ankle, knee and calf injuries throughout the 2024 season. While his injuries have only sidelined him for one full game, he has played 51% or fewer offensive snaps in four additional games. He is also currently on the Bears’ injury report for Week 17’s game.

“I think the best-case scenario for Teven might be a one-year prove-it deal, go out there and show you can get on the field and stay on the field,” Biggs said. “I just don’t know that’s the case, I’ve never seen an offensive lineman leave games with such regularity.”

Teven Jenkins’ Injury History Makes Decision Difficult

Jenkins’ injury issues have been a recurring theme for him since former Bears general manager Ryan Pace traded up and drafted him with the No. 39 pick in the 2021 draft.

As a rookie, Jenkins missed training camp and the first 11 games of his career with a back injury that required him to undergo surgery before the season. While he returned and played in six games late in the year, he struggled to play complete games despite two starts and finished with just 161 total offensive snaps played at the left tackle spot.

Jenkins then moved from tackle to guard when the Bears hired their new coaching staff in 2022, but he missed multiple practices again in training camp amid reports that the front office had been shopping him around in trade conversations. While Jenkins did return to the lineup and start 11 games at right guard, he sustained a neck injury near the end of the season and finished his second season on the injured reserve list.

Jenkins played his best football for the Bears in 2023, moving again from right guard to left guard before the season, but he still could not shake his injury problems. He sat out of the first four games with strains in both calves, then missed one more game later on.

In total, Jenkins has missed a little more than 30% of his career games with the Bears (21 of 68), putting the front office — one that did not draft him — in a difficult position that could leave them with little other choice but to let him sign elsewhere for 2025.

Could Bears Sign Teven Jenkins to ‘Prove-It Deal’ for 2025?

The logic for letting Jenkins walk is sound, but there is another possibility that does not involve the Bears signing him to a long-term contract extension for the 2025 season.

Perhaps, as Biggs suggested, Chicago could sign him to a one-year, “prove-it” contract.

Jenkins is arguably the Bears’ best offensive lineman when he is healthy enough to play. According to Pro Football Focus, he is the 18th-highest-graded guard (75.4) in the NFL through the first 16 weeks of the 2024 season and ranks within the top-25 — out of 129 eligible guards — as both a pass-blocker (75.8, 12th) and run-blocker (74.3, 21st).

The Bears could also have trouble finding three new starters for the interior of their line if they allow Jenkins to walk. They already need a new center and a new right guard for the 2025 season, and while free agency and the draft will offer solutions, it could prove too much of a risk with their focus on maximizing Caleb Williams’ second season.

Now, Jenkins has talked since the offseason about wanting to sign an extension with the Bears that will keep him with the franchise for the long-term future. But if he is open to a one-year arrangement and an opportunity to earn a larger payday from the team after the 2025 season, then the Bears may feel bringing him back on a one-year deal is the best move for their franchise — especially if they draft a replacement who needs time.

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Prior to Week 16’s game between the two franchises, Johnson fielded a question about Williams during his weekly press conference and couldn’t contain his smile when he spoke about the Bears’ rookie quarterback and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

“There’s no question this guy is talented,” Johnson said with a smile. “I remember standing on the sideline last game, and you can hear the ball whistle by you. He’s got quite a fastball and has some creativity to him. Can extend plays and is accurate down the field as well.”

Johnson’s comments are bound to pique the interest of Bears fans begging the team to hire — or, at the very least, strongly consider — him as their next head coach. He has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s top young offensive play-callers over the past four seasons with the Lions, including three as their offensive coordinator (2022-24).

If the Bears can hire Johnson, his pairing with Williams could create the foundation for a high-octane passing offense that Chicago has been lacking for many years, especially with other weapons — D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet — already in place.

The question now is: How heavily will the Bears prioritize Johnson in their search?

Ben Johnson Expected to Interview for Bears’ HC Job

The Bears have not begun interviewing candidates for their head coach position, largely because many of the best candidates — including Johnson — cannot accept interviews with teams seeking head coaches until after the 2024 regular season ends in January.

That said, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported during Week 16’s Monday Night Football pregame that he expects the Bears will interview Johnson along with other offensive-minded head coaching candidates in the coming months as they look to find the right fit to maximize the talents of Williams — who has shown special qualities as a rookie.

“They’re going to go on a search to find a partner for Caleb Williams because he becomes the most important asset that they have right now to sell to a coach,” Schefter said on December 23.

Johnson’s popularity, however, could create problems for the Bears in their pursuit.

Johnson should draw interest from multiple head-coach-seeking franchises during the 2025 hiring cycle. He interviewed with five teams — and declined an interview with a sixth — during last winter’s hiring period for the 2024 season. While Johnson ultimately decided to return to the Lions in 2024, he sounds more ready to make the leap in 2025.

“I’d say I’m much more prepared than I was the last two years,” Johnson said earlier in December. “Now that I’ve been through the wringer a couple times, had some interviews, I certainly do feel more prepared, just from a big-picture standpoint.”

The Bears have a quarterback and resources (draft capital and cap space) to appeal to a candidate like Johnson, but so, too, do other teams seeking their next “leader of men.”

Did Ben Johnson Put His Creativity on Display for Bears?

Bears general manager Ryan Poles has now had an opportunity to watch Johnson’s creative play-calling tendencies at least six times in person over the past three years, but Johnson did something in Week 16’s latest matchup that seemed — to some — to speak directly to Poles, team president Kevin Warren and the rest of the Bears’ brass.

Early in the third quarter of Sunday’s game, the Lions perfectly executed a trick play that included a fake stumble from quarterback Jared Goff and a deceptive dive to the ground for a fake fumble from running back Jahmyr Gibbs. The play resulted in a few Bears defenders biting on the deception and Goff tossing a 21-yard touchdown pass.

What stands out most is what seems to have inspired Johnson to craft such a deceitful play. The play bears a striking resemblance to one the Green Bay Packers ran against the Bears during the 2023 season, in which quarterback Jordan Love unintentionally fumbled the snap and then recovered to find a wide-open Luke Musgrave near the end zone down the right sideline. Just look at a side-by-side comparison of the two plays.

Now, Johnson might have just found a weakness to exploit in the Bears defense, but it is also possible that he took an opportunity to showcase his film-study skills and play-calling creativity in front of the Bears’ front office that could interview him next month.

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After a decade with the Los Angeles Chargers, Allen brought his six-time Pro Bowl credentials to Chicago, aiming to elevate the Bears’ offense while providing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams with a security blanket of sorts. But as the season unfolded, it’s fair to say it fell short of expectations.

As Allen is in the final year of his contract, Matt Holder of Bleacher Report doesn’t think he’ll be back in the Windy City in 2025. Holder’s prediction? Allen would make the perfect compliment to the Philadelphia Eagles‘ WR corps.

“Philadelphia has been searching for a third wide receiver to pair with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith for a couple of years now and hasn’t had any luck finding a good one. So, the front office could explore the free-agent market for a veteran receiver who is looking to make one final push to get a Lombardi Trophy rather than cashing in and stockpiling targets,” Holder wrote, adding:

“Allen could fit that description, having only made the playoffs three times and never winning a playoff game during his 12 seasons. While the 32-year-old is having a down year in a bad Bears offense, he still has six touchdowns on the campaign and is a year removed from a 1,200-yard performance.”

Keenan Allen’s Price Tag in 2025 Will Have Huge Impact on Whether Bears Re-Sign Him

Allen is set to become a free agent in 2025 after his lone season with the Bears. Despite his previous success with the Chargers, Allen’s performance in Chicago was hampered by injuries and an underperforming offense, leading to a decline in his productivity.

Allen had a slow start to the season due to a heel injury, missing Weeks 2-4. In 13 games for Chicago this year, he has hauled in 62 passes on 110 targets for 694 yards and seven touchdowns. While respectable, those numbers are down from previous seasons.

Arguably most concerning are his drops and low catch percentage. Allen has caught a career-low 56.4% of the passes thrown his way, and he has seven drops on the season, per PFF. Still, he’s got plenty left for a few more years.

While Allen has mentioned he’s absolutely open to “running it back” with the Bears, as he contemplates his next career move, joining the Eagles could present a compelling opportunity for both the veteran wideout and Philly. How much he commands — it’ll have to be far less than the $20 million he made this season — will likely determine where he ends up.

Why Philadelphia Eagles Make Sense as Landing Spot for Keenan Allen

The Eagles have demonstrated a commitment to strengthening their wide receiver corps, as evidenced by their 2024 in-season acquisition of Jahan Dotson from the Washington Commanders.

Adding a veteran like Allen, known for his precise route running and reliable hands, would complement the existing talents of Brown and Smith. Allen’s experience and skill set could also enhance the Eagles’ passing game, offering quarterback Jalen Hurts a dependable target in critical situations.

Moreover, the Eagles’ offensive scheme, which emphasizes a balanced attack and dynamic passing strategies, aligns well with Allen’s strengths. The veteran wideout’s presence could also serve as a mentorship opportunity for younger receivers on the roster.

Financially, the Eagles are positioned to make strategic acquisitions in the upcoming free agency period. With several players set to become free agents in 2025, including key positions on both offense and defense, the team has the flexibility to allocate resources toward impactful signings.

It’ll be interesting to see what the offseason holds.

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It has been nearly two full years since the Green Bay Packers traded Rodgers to the New York Jets, but the 41-year-old quarterback simply can’t help himself when the opportunity to make a barb at the Bears comes along.

Those opportunities present themselves relatively frequently now, as Rodgers is a paid weekly guest on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show.” Rodgers made his latest dig at Chicago’s expense in his most recent appearance on that program, which came Monday, December 23.

“The point is, over the years when they would hire new coaches in Chicago, at the introductory press conference they always said, ‘We wanna win a Super Bowl and we wanna beat Green Bay,'” Rodgers said. “Now, we didn’t have as many coaching changes over that time … but I don’t think that Mike McCarthy or Matt LaFleur came in and made that a point to say that, ‘Hey, you know, we gotta beat Chicago.’ It was kind of an understanding for a while there over the years that there was a good chance we were gonna sweep them every year.”

Aaron Rodgers Isn’t Wrong About Packers’ Dominance Over Bears

GettyNew York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers went on to acknowledge that, of course, Green Bay didn’t sweep Chicago every season. But the point was that the Packers were dominant in their matchups against the Bears during the Rodgers era, which is factually accurate and fair to point out.

That said, as often as Rodgers dwells in the past when it comes to bullying the Bears at Lambeau and Soldier Field across a 15-year run, it makes one wonder if he isn’t doing so because the present in New York has been so disillusioning.

Rodgers suffered an Achilles injury on the Jets’ first offensive drive of the 2023 campaign and missed the remainder of the year. He returned in 2024 to high expectations, though New York currently has as many victories as Chicago after Week 14 — only four. The Bears are on a nine-game losing streak and counting, while the Jets had a 1-9 stretch across 10 games earlier this year.

For the first time in Rodgers’ career, he is truly getting a taste of what it’s like to struggle in a league where winning is always tough to come by, which can’t be easy for a four-time MVP and former Super Bowl champion with 152 regular season wins on his career resumé.

Aaron Rodgers Causing, Dealing With Major Dysfunction in Jets Organization

GettyNew York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

As annoying as some Bears fans might find Rodgers’ constant big brother/bully profile, it isn’t something unfamiliar in Chicago. And the best notion to lean on is that there is reason for optimism in the future.

Rookie QB Caleb Williams has had his struggles, but he’s also shown flashes of legitimate star talent. The Bears are on the cusp of hiring a new head coach, and if they go with an offensive-minded personality who knows how to develop quarterbacks — like coordinator Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions, perhaps, who has openly admitted intrigue about the job — big leaps for the young signal caller could be on the immediate horizon.

Chicago’s front office also put the cart before the horse a bit over the offseason, acquiring a great deal of skill talent around Williams but choosing to build outside-in, which has left the team with one of the most porous offensive lines in the league. The Bears will undoubtedly address those weaknesses in both the coming draft and free agency, which could change drastically how things look in 2025.

Rodgers, on the other hand, will be entering his age-42 season and there is no clear indication that the Jets are interested in bringing him back for the final year of his contract.

Wide receiver Garrett Wilson recently took a shot at Rodgers publicly, following weeks of the quarterback doing plenty of public finger pointing of his own. Jets owner Woody Johnson is also reportedly affording his teenage sons and Madden ratings influence over major team decisions and creating among the more dysfunctional environments in the league, all of which could mean that Rodgers will be hunting for new job come March.

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The Bears carted Jones off the field with a gruesome lower left leg injury in the second quarter of Sunday’s loss after center Coleman Shelton unintentionally blocked Lions defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike into the back of his legs, collapsing Jones awkwardly.

Jones gave the home crowd a thumbs-up as the cart took him off into the locker room with an air cast around his left leg, but the team quickly ruled him out for the game.

The following day, Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown confirmed Jones would require surgery and would miss the final two games of the 2024 regular season. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added optimism to the situation, though, writing on X that Jones seems to have avoided the worst and should return “long before training camp.”

“#Bears OT Braxton Jones, who was carted off yesterday, is believed to have suffered a fractured ankle, source says,” Rapoport wrote on X. “He’s still undergoing tests, but as of now, it’s just the fibula, not the tibia, as well. Jones faces a four-month recovery, back long before training camp.”

Braxton Jones ‘Not Out of the Woods Yet’ With Injury

While Jones is still undergoing tests that could reveal more significant damage to his ankle and lengthen his recovery time, Rapoport’s report about his initial tests is more encouraging than what social media “experts” speculated had happened to Jones.

Dr. David Chao — a former head team physician for the Los Angeles Chargers known on X as Pro Football Doc — posted a clip of Jones’ injury-resulting play and speculated that he had ruptured his left patella tendon, writing that the speculated injury would require “surgery” and make it “tough to be ready for [the] start [of the] 2025 season.”

Of course, Chao backtracked once Rapoport reported what initial testing on Jones’ leg found. Chao then reposted Rapoport’s report and wrote: “Looking back at more video, fibula fracture and associated ligament damage.” A classic, cover-your-bases move.

Jones, however, is “not out of the woods yet” — as The Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs put it in his December 23 column detailing his “10 thoughts” on the Bears’ loss to the Lions.

“I’m told the fibula is fractured and Jones is scheduled to meet with a specialist Monday, with surgery likely to be performed this week,” Biggs wrote on Monday. “A source said the belief is Jones avoided potentially serious ligament damage or multiple fractures. Jones has a long road to recovery ahead. It could be a four- or five-month process to return to the field after surgery, but it could have been significantly worse.”

“He’s not out of the woods yet. They’ll need to see what doctors say, but the hope is it’s a simple fracture that needs to be stabilized with surgery.”

Will Bears Consider Replacing Braxton Jones in 2025?

With Jones now facing an offseason of recovery, the Bears must consider how they want to proceed at the left tackle position following a season filled with offensive line issues.

The Bears hold the No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft with two games left to play in the regular season and cannot fall outside of the top 10 in the first round regardless of how the remainder of the season unfolds. With that in mind, the Bears should find themselves in a good position to consider drafting a new left tackle — likely either LSU’s Will Campbell or Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr., the two top tackle prospects in the class.

The Bears would have likely considered drafting a left tackle even before Jones’ injury given their expressed desire to build around quarterback Caleb Williams, but his long recovery and uncertain future only add incentive for them to explore other options. They must also consider that Jones will enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, putting them roughly 15 months away from a potential extension decision.

Now, in fairness to Jones, he has not been the biggest problem on the Bears’ offensive line in 2024. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed five sacks and 26 pressures on 471 pass-blocking snaps but received a strong 80.2 grade as a pass-blocker and a good 70.2 as a run-blocker.

Injuries are not a new problem for Jones, though. A hamstring injury sidelined him for six games during the 2023 season. He also missed three games earlier in 2024, sitting out two games midseason with a knee injury and missing Week 15 with a concussion.

Even if the Bears still have faith in Jones, his injury gives them much to consider.

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On the offensive side of the football that leadership could look like an extension for wide receiver Keenan Allen, who is not just one of the elder statesmen in the huddle but also a six-time Pro Bowler and the team’s leader in touchdown receptions in 2024.

That statistics is a little surprising given Allen’s slow start in the Windy City, which was hampered by heel injuries that began last season and bled over into the summer as well as the beginning of the current campaign. However, Allen has picked his game up of late and has tallied 62 catches for 694 yards and 7 TDs across 13 appearances.

Scott Bair of Marquee Sports Network on Monday, December 23, explored the notion of whether Chicago should pay Allen significant money on an extension to bring his skills and locker room presence back to the Bears for multiple years to come.

“[Bears GM Ryan] Poles traded for Allen even with $23.1 million left on his expiring contract. They paid it, but probably won’t pay that freight again. It’s doubtful that any team will,” Bair wrote. “Teams will want Allen. While he’ll certainly get less moving forward, he should have a somewhat competitive market. … The Bears like Allen and his football smarts. There’s a value for everyone, though. Find out what that is. Let Allen hit unrestricted free agency and establish a market, and then decide whether to get involved at that point.”

Bears Have Several Pressing Needs Outside of Wide Receiver

GettyWide receiver Keenan Allen of Chicago Bears.

Spotrac projects Allen’s market value at $16.2 million annually over a new two-year contract. That is far from top-end money at the position, with the likes of Minnesota Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson earning $35 million per year on his next contract — most of it guaranteed.

Chicago also has nearly $82 million in projected salary cap space, according to Spotrac. However, the Bears still need to be judicious about how they invest in personnel considering all of the obvious holes on both sides of the roster.

The team will certainly address its offensive line, which is among the worst in football this season. Braxton Jones, the starting left tackle, broke his ankle against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, will miss the next four months and isn’t a long-term solution at the most important position in the unit anyway.

Guard Teven Jenkins, Chicago’s best and most consistent lineman, is up for an extension but has also battled injury concerns his entire career. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Bears draft a left tackle high, probably with their first pick inside of the top 10, and then hit free agency in an attempt to add a top-line guard as well as potentially re-sign Jenkins.

Chicago also needs another pass rusher, which could be a position to address in the draft, and might consider another starting-caliber cornerback after Tyrique Stevenson has struggled in his second NFL season.

Bears Have WR Duo DJ Moore, Rome Odunze Under Contract for Years to Come

GettyWide receiver DJ Moore of the Chicago Bears.

Another argument against extending Allen is the $110 million the team just spent to lock up DJ Moore through 2029 and the No. 9 overall pick they spent on Rome Odunze as a complement to rookie quarterback Caleb Williams — the top selection in the 2024 draft.

However, the Bears proved this year that no amount of skill talent is going to matter if the offense can’t protect its signal caller.

Keeping Williams upright needs to be the team’s top priority this offseason. If Allen is affordable enough to bring back while also accomplishing that goal, then that is the best of both worlds. However, if he isn’t, the Bears’ best path forward is obvious.

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After the team’s ninth loss in a row, this time a 34-17 defeat at the hands of the rival Detroit Lions, the Chicago Bears tight end was asked if there was anything positive he could take from the loss. His response was blunt and beyond straightforward.

“I’m kind of done doing that,” Kmet replied, via CHGO Sports. “I’ve been through this now — you know, two years ago I felt like you’re trying to find positive things. It’s hard for me to be real with myself and find positives when it’s 34-17.”

When reminded rookie quarterback Caleb Williams made some big throws, including a pretty 45-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Keenan Allen late in the second quarter, Kmet was undeterred.

“It’s great, yeah,” Kmet said. “I think it’s important for younger guys to take steps up and that’s cool to see Caleb be able to do that. But, I mean, at the end of the day, it’s 34-17. Not good enough.”

Bears TE Cole Kmet Has Further Damning Comments After Loss to Lions

With just two games remaining in the regular season, the Bears are currently decimated by injuries, particularly on the offensive line. During the game against the Lions, Chicago lost starting left tackle Braxton Jones and starting left guard Teven Jenkins. Neither returned, with Jones’ injury looking potentially serious.

“It’s never the ideal situation, but I mean they had a ton of injuries, too,” Kmet said, referring to the Lions, “and they seemed to figure it out. So we got to be able to figure that out, adapt. That’s part of being in the NFL.”

Looking back, after Chicago’s Week 15 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Kmet’s usually positive demeanor had started to make way for frustration.

“I think what I’ve learned through it all is you got to be on your own (expletive) Kmet said after falling to Minnesota, “and trying to get other guys to do certain things or other people to do certain things, it takes away from your preparation. And then if other guys aren’t doing their job or other people aren’t doing their job, that’s on them.”

Kmet Has Become a Leader in the Locker Room

Voted one of the team’s eight captains this year, Kmet has yet to experience a winning season with the franchise he grew up rooting for. Since joining the Bears as a second-round pick in 2020, Chicago has gone 28-54. Here’s what they’ve done every year in that span:

• 2020: 8 wins, 8 losses
• 2021: 6 wins, 11 losses
• 2022: 3 wins, 14 losses
• 2023: 7 wins, 10 losses
• 2024: 4 wins, 11 losses (two games remaining)

Considering this, it’s not surprising he’s finally reached the point where he doesn’t have many good things to say.

So far in 15 games this season, Kmet has been targeted 53 times, catching 45 passes for 471 yards and four TDs. His catch percentage of just under 85% is the best in the league, per Next Gen Stats, which makes his lack of targets this season more than a tad baffling. The team should be using him more.

Kmet has demonstrated consistent and measured improvement throughout his career. His size and athleticism make him a mismatch for defenders, particularly in short to intermediate routes and red-zone situations. By getting him more involved, the Bears can exploit these mismatches. But with just two games remaining, you may as well put a bow on the season and start looking toward next year.

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A far from poor statistical first season – throwing for 3,271 yards, 19 touchdowns and only 5 picks for a very acceptable passer rating of 89.3 – has been marred by (unsurprising to many) organizational chaos.

Both former head coach, Matt Eberflus, and new offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron, were fired mid-season, and a series of locker room noise and front-office politics have cast a long shadow over what was once a promising season for the Chicago Bears.

In the midst of a 9 game losing streak dating back to October, continued this past Sunday with a 34-17 loss to the Detroit Lions, the future of the Bears very much up in the air.

So, the idea that there is much cause for celebration is certainly “left field” to say the least. Yet, Williams caused some commotion on Sunday afternoon when he celebrated his second touchdown pass of the day with the famous “Siu” celebration; the trademark move of soccer sensation, Cristiano Ronaldo – per ML Football.

COLD: #Bears QB Caleb Williams hit Cristiano Ronaldo’s “SIUUUUUUU” celly after throwing another touchdown pass.

🥶

Caleb has started to get his confidence back.
pic.twitter.com/7sih0TDbLH

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) December 22, 2024

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Was Caleb Williams Right to Mimic Star’s Iconic Celebration?

GettyCristiano Ronaldo

The “Siu” is perhaps the best known sporting celebration in history across the globe, with perhaps only LeBron James’ “The Silencer” coming close.

But with all the issues hovering in and around Chicago, this year and in all the ones before, many will no doubt question if the celebration was perhaps out of place – particularly as it occurred during a humbling loss, whilst the Bears were still down by 13 points.

However, Williams is a known fan of the former Real Madrid star, as reported all the way back at the 2024 NFL Draft.

Ofcourse the #1 Pick in the 2024 NFL Draft “Caleb Williams” Is a Cristiano Ronaldo fan 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/CjH3aYBSav

— ..🥷 (@DEMONNALDO) May 6, 2024

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So, perhaps with little regard to exactly what was happening around him, the #1 overall pick simply wanted to pay homage to his GOAT.

Where Does The Bears Offense Go From Here?

GettyCaleb Williams and Thomas Brown on the sidelines

A season that is now essentially lost may have Chicago fans praying for losses rather than wins, as the 2025 draft order starts to come into play.

Although the Bears have just 4 wins this season, due to the inordinate amount of teams in the sub-5 win column this season, Chicago is set to pick at just #9.

Long term, however, much of the Windy City brass will be looking at playing strong offensive football before the long break heading into the offseason as they attempt to maximize their returns on their prized pick, and – they hope – quarterback of the future.

Necessitated improvements on the offensive line and most critically – in the coaching booth – will headline conversations that will no doubt have already started amongst front office personnel. But one thing is abundantly clear – if the culture surrounding the organization does not radically shift, the Bears could remain in football purgatory for a long time.

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Many fans and analysts who watched the Detroit Lions‘ 34-17 trouncing of the Bears Week 16 seem to think so — and a particular play the Lions offensive coordinator drew up set social media off.

In the third quarter, with the Lions leading 27-14, quarterback Jared Goff took the snap and feigned a stumble, simulating a fumble by swinging his right hand toward the ground. Simultaneously, Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs dove to the ground, pretending to recover the nonexistent loose ball.

The deliberate misdirection caused Bears’ defenders to momentarily pause, confused, which allowed Lions tight end Sam LaPorta to get free. Goff hit him for a 21-yard touchdown pass, extending Detroit’s lead to 34-14.

According to ESPN insider Kalyn Kahler, Johnson knew that play would work against the Bears, because he’s seen it work once before.

Bears Fans & Analysts React to Ben Johnson’s Trick Play

“The Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs coordinated trip on the LaPorta TD play is called ‘stumble bum’ and it WAS a designed trip, inspired by a play Ben Johnson saw of Jordan Love actually dropping the snap vs Chicago and pulling off a big pass,” Kahler wrote on X, noting in a subsequent post that she spoke to several players about it, including Goff and Gibbs.

You can check out the play from Love and the Packers that gave Johnson the idea below.

Many fans and analysts watching the game couldn’t help but wonder if Johnson was trying to speak without speaking to Bears general manager Ryan Poles and president Kevin Warren, who are currently in the process of finding the franchise’s next head coach.

“If that’s not a clear signal to the Bears front office, idk what is,” Brendan Sugrue of Bears Wire wrote on X.

“Ben Johnson went extra deep into the playbook today,” NFL Network insider Peter Schrager also wrote on X. “Some stuff we’ve never seen. Coincidence? Or a bit of showmanship in front of Bears brass with the owner, President, GM, and thousands of fans all watching in Soldier Field? Either way, hard for Bears to ignore.”

“You cannot convince me that Ben Johnson calling this kind of stuff against the Bears isn’t just him doing a pre-interview,” analyst and film guru Brett Kollmann added.

Johnson’s Interest in Bears Is Significant, According to Tom Pelissero

There’s a reason Bears Nation is abuzz about Johnson. Under his direction, the Lions’ offense has become one of the most formidable in the NFL. He utilizes a diverse array of plays and formations that simply keep defenses guessing. Johnson’s is a deep playbook filled with meticulously prepared trick plays, with the aim of avoiding repetition and maintaining unpredictability.

“If he’s saying something, there’s a reason. I’m not gonna question what he’s saying because I know he’s up there watching film,” Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown said about Johnson in September of 2023, via ESPN. “I know he’s spending hours in this building so when he tells me something, I’m not even second guessing. I’m like, ‘OK, Ben said this. He’s saying it for a reason and I’m listening to him.’ There’s no question.”

“For me, I respect the hell out of that because I know he’s putting the work in everyday, he’s watching the tape, he wants to be great, and he’s never satisfied,” St. Brown continued. “That’s something that I really like about him, too.”

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, Johnson is interested in coaching in Chicago next year and is “willing to listen” to what the Bears might have to offer. Your move, Mr. Poles.

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The Lions were routing the Bears in the Windy City midway through the third quarter on Sunday, December 22, by a score of 34-14 when Chicago found itself in the red zone with the chance to make it a two-score game. However, on a fourth down with seven yards to go from the Detroit 12-yard line, Bears head coach Thomas Brown chose to kick a field goal to cut the lead to 17 points.

Fans began raining boos down from the stands, and they weren’t the only people in the stadium who were angry about the decision.

“Caleb Williams looks PISSED as Thomas Brown passes up going for it on 4th down and elects the FG,” Bears Nation posted to X. “Makes [zero] sense considering the state of the season and score to not go for it on 4th.”

Bears Have Gotten Worse After Firing Matt Eberflus

GettyChicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown.

In fairness to Brown, whatever decision he made probably wouldn’t have mattered, as the Lions ended up winning the contest 34-17 — the same score after Cairo Santos booted the field goal attempt in question through the uprights in the middle of the third quarter.

But Brown’s decision did echo the recent past, when former head coach Matt Eberflus so often played not to lose rather than to win, which led to several late-game errors from the sideline that cost Chicago multiple victories and changed both the course and narrative of Williams’ rookie season.

The lack of guts in a moment that pretty clearly called for them against Detroit Sunday doesn’t bode well for Brown’s future at the helm of Chicago’s sideline beyond this year, either. The Bears were competitive under Eberflus, though they’ve been anything but since his departure.

Chicago has lost its three games under Brown by an average of 20 points per contest. The opponents have been of a high quality (San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, Lions), but three consecutive blowouts have turned the season from bad to much worse.

Bears Likely to Move on From Thomas Brown After Season

GettyOffensive coordinator Ben Johnson (left) and head coach Dan Campbell (right) of the Detroit Lions.

Brown has a couple of games left to find his proverbial voice as a head coach and put some positive finishing touches on what is now almost certain to be simply an audition in Chicago for an offensive coordinator position, either with the Bears or elsewhere, come 2025.

He started this year as the team’s pass game coordinator before the team’s choices to fire Shane Waldron and then Eberflus a few weeks later bumped Brown up into the lead role at a wildly accelerated pace.

Chicago’s decision makers in the front office have spoken openly about the head coaching search to come, which is actually probably already well underway, and noted that it will be wide-ranging and include several candidates.

There are simply more experienced candidates for the job at this point in time, such as offensive coordinator Ben Johnson of Detroit, but that doesn’t mean Brown can’t make a mark in Chicago before moving back down to a coordinator role or moving on to another opportunity elsewhere in the NFL.

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Somehow, according to Bovada Sportsbook, the Bears are currently among the betting favorites to trade for New York Jets superstar wide receiver Garrett Wilson during the 2025 offseason. The Kansas City Chiefs (+300) are getting the best odds to trade for Wilson, while the Houston Texans and Bears are tied with the second-best odds (+500).

Wilson incidentally spawned trade rumors about his future following the Jets’ practice on December 19. A reporter asked him in the locker room whether he would want to stay with the Jets if the team approached him with a long-term contract offer and the 2022 NFL Offensive Rooke of the Year did not respond with any certainty about it.

“Uh, I don’t know, man,” Wilson said Thursday. “I just do whatever, go about my day, be where my feet at. And if they do [offer me an extension], that would be a blessing. That would be awesome. I love the Jets. At the end of the day, they were the ones that believed in me, but I can’t be worrying about all. Just going to finish these three games the right way, but I don’t know, man. I can’t be looking into all that right now.”

Odds Be Damned; Garrett Wilson Trade Makes No Sense

Wilson has endured three consecutive losing seasons with the Jets since they took him at No. 10 overall in the 2022 NFL draft and has seemed frustrated throughout the 2024 season as his team has flopped to a 4-10 record. Wilson’s $20.5 million rookie contract, however, runs through the end of the 2025 season with a fifth-year option available in 2026, making it unlikely the team will look to trade him unless he makes a demand.

Even if the Jets changed their minds and decided to seek out trade partners for their star wide receiver, though, the Bears seem unlikely to even call about his availability.

The Bears might pursue more receiving talent during the 2025 offseason, but they have little reason to spend big on a starting wide receiver or invest a high-end draft pick into one for two big reasons. For one, they just signed star D.J. Moore to a four-year, $110 million extension in August. They also invested a top-10 pick into rookie wideout Rome Odunze during the 2024 NFL draft, giving them two starters for the foreseeable future.

Don’t get it twisted: Wilson is just 67 yards away from recording his third consecutive 1,000-yard season and is one of the best young pass-catchers in the NFL despite dealing with subpar quarterback play for the majority of his career. The Bears also possess the draft capital to make a compelling offer for Wilson with a potential top-10 selection and two second-rounders — likely both in the top 40 — for the upcoming 2025 NFL draft.

With Moore and Odunze locked down for at least another three seasons, though, there is simply no good reason for the Bears to trade for Garrett and ignore their other needs.

Bears Have Other Ways to Improve 2025 WR Corps

The Bears will likely focus their offseason talent-acquisition efforts on improving other positions on their roster, such as their offensive and defensive lines, but it is not out of the question that they could make a splash for an additional wide receiver or two.

They just do not need to trade for Garrett Wilson to make that splash.

One of the most sensible paths forward for the Bears is considering whether to extend veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, who is heading for NFL free agency in March. The Bears have the cap space — roughly $68.1 million — to make him a reasonable contract offer to play another season in Chicago, but his price tag could keep them away if he wants too much money. Or, perhaps, they do not feel Allen added enough in 2024.

If Allen is not the answer, the Bears will have options both in free agency and the draft. High-end veterans such as Tee Higgins, Stefon Diggs and Chris Godwin will likely prove too expensive for what the Bears need, but they could kick the tires on shorter deals for receivers with lower price tags, such as Demarcus Robinson or Darius Slayton.

The Bears should also explore drafting at least one wide receiver in the draft given how shallow their depth has become. They dumped 2022 third-round pick Velus Jones Jr. earlier in the 2024 season and have been reluctant to use 2023 fourth-rounder Tyler Scott much at all on offense, giving preference to veteran DeAndre Carter instead. Even with a veteran signing, a rookie draft pick — or a few — would suit their long-term plan.

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Johnson — the Bears’ $76 million star cornerback — did not participate in Friday’s final practice of the week because of an illness, prompting the team to add him to the injury report and list him as “questionable” to play in Sunday’s home game against the Lions.

Johnson is a team captain and one of the Bears’ most reliable defensive players, making the possibility of his absence a significant problem for a defense that has regressed from its stout early-season form. The Lions also house one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL, leading the league in scoring and rating second in passing and total yardage.

Should Johnson not play, the Bears will likely have to turn to second-year cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith as starters on the perimeter against the Lions. Josh Blackwell and Ameer Speed are the only other two backups on Chicago’s 53-man roster while Kyler Gordon is situated in the slot role, where he has thrived throughout 2024.

The Bears (4-10) will host the Lions (12-2) at Soldier Field on Sunday, December 22, at 1 p.m. Eastern Time for their final matchup of the 2024 season.

Bears Clear Roschon Johnson to Return from Concussion

The Bears had a few other injury designations to make in Week 16’s final injury report.

The Bears ruled out veteran offensive lineman Ryan Bates, who is still working through the league’s concussion protocol and will now miss his fifth consecutive game. They also slapped “questionable” designations on defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (knee), left guard Teven Jenkins (calf) and left tackle Braxton Jones (concussion) as with Johnson.

One silver lining, though: Running back Roschon Johnson will return to the lineup.

Johnson — a 2023 fourth-round pick and the team’s preferred short-yardage running back — missed two consecutive games with a concussion, but he practiced fully in all three sessions leading up to Week 16’s bout with the Lions. He currently leads the team with six rushing touchdowns, a career-high mark that outpaces starter D’Andre Swift.

Johnson’s expected return comes at a good time for the Bears. They added running back Travis Homer — who has picked up Johnson’s reps in the past two games — to the injury report on Friday with a hamstring injury and have listed him as doubtful to play. Barring a significant change for Homer, he will likely miss his fifth game of the year.

Ex-Bears RB David Montgomery Ruled Out for Lions

The Lions made it through Week 16’s practices without too many shut-downs on their injury report, but one player who has already been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Chicago is former Bears running back David Montgomery, who hurt his knee last week.

Montgomery had been seeking additional medical opinions on his knee after suffering an MCL injury in Week 15’s loss to the Buffalo Bills and now has  — according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter — “optimism [for a potential return] in the playoffs,” but the 2019 third-round pick will not suit up against his former Bears teammates. Instead, the Lions will expectedly lean more heavily on star Jahmyr Gibbs and backup Craig Reynolds.

The Lions also ruled out linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin with a neck injury on their injury report, but their other injured players — guard Graham Glasgow (knee) and safeties Brian Branch (calf) and Ifeatu Melifonwu (knee) — received questionable designations for Sunday’s game against the Bears. Everyone else is clear to play.

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Moore uttered the comments in question during a media session on Thursday, December 19, after a reporter asked him what he was thinking about in terms of the upcoming offseason, training camp and figuring out everything that has gone wrong with the team this year.

“What I’m thinking about? Vacation,” Moore said in a video that can be watched in full here. “Let [the coaches] do all the work and then, you know, just come back and ready to go.”

Moore appeared fairly clearly to have made the comments in jest, particularly considering the tone of the words he said just before the media asked a follow-up question, which led to his “vacation” schtick.

“It’s been tough, frustrating. Definitely with this losing streak, but it’s football. Some team gotta win, and it hasn’t been us,” Moore said, getting serious after joking that the Bears’ 4-10 season “hadn’t been tough at all.”

“Yeah, we need to figure out, maybe not this year but at the beginning of next year we definitely need to figure it out before we play a real game,” the wide receiver continued.

DJ Moore Caught Online Criticism From Fans, Critics Despite Joking Tone

GettyWide receiver DJ Moore of the Chicago Bears.

Again, while Moore appeared to have made the comments as a joke, there were some fans — and also critics — who took it literally. Meanwhile, others recognized his tone but contended that the wideout shouldn’t be joking about the team’s struggles at all — especially considering how extensive they’ve been.

“Has DJ Moore ever figured out winning?” one person posted to X.

“Dude quit months ago,” another fan wrote.

“Dudes have been checked out for a while now,” a third user commented. “It shows on film. Some more than others.”

“Dude has been kinda ****** since getting the extension,” another person chimed in.

DJ Moore Still Leads Bears in Most Receiving Categories, Despite Downturn in Production From Last Year

GettyWide receiver DJ Moore of the Chicago Bears.

Moore inked a four-year, $110 million contract extension in July that keeps him in Chicago through the 2029 campaign.

He has caught 76 passes on 112 targets for 758 receiving yards and 5 TDs from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams across 14 games this season. Moore hauled in 96 grabs for 1,364 receiving yards and 8 TDs (all career highs) from former QB Justin Fields in 2023, the receiver’s first season with the team.

Moore came over to Chicago via a trade with the Carolina Panthers, which also netted the Bears the draft pick that became the No. 1 overall selection in April 2024, which they used to acquire Williams out of the University of Southern California.

Despite Moore’s dip in numbers this season with Williams in the offensive backfield, he is still leading the offense in targets, catches and yards. Wideout Keenan Allen is ahead of Moore by 1 touchdown, having caught 6 total on the season.

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Bears’ president Kevin Warren and general manager Ryan Poles have promised to conduct an “exhaustive search” for their next leader. Could the wide net they’re casting include current Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders?

While Sanders’ name isn’t currently among those being discussed in relation to the Bears, the team is looking to find a leader who aligns with their vision for the future — and one who can also effectively develop their roster, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams‘ development being of paramount importance.

According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, Sanders could be a name to watch for teams in need of a new HC. “A league source told me this about Sanders in recent days: ‘I think [NFL] teams will want to hear what he has to say.’ So it wouldn’t shock to see the Jets or Saints or a team casting a wide net to at least reach out or do its research on him,” Fowler wrote on December 18.

Casting a wide net? Sounds like the Bears. Let’s discuss.

Could Deion Sanders Be Option as Next Chicago Bears Head Coach?

Coach Prime isn’t expected to be a hot candidate in the next coaching cycle, but those in the know wouldn’t be surprised if he garners some interest.

“I could see him getting an interview or two,” an industry source also told Fowler and Adam Rittenberg in a December 5 report for ESPN. “If you’re focused on finding a dynamic leader, he certainly provides that as a strength.”

The Daily Herald’s Sean Hammond also included Sanders among the top 30 potential head coach candidates the Bears should at least call.

“Sanders is among the most polarizing figures in college football,” Hammond wrote. “He turned Colorado from a one-win team to a nine-win team in two years. Any team that hires Sanders, though, has to be willing to put up with the media storm that follows him. Sanders has no NFL coaching experience, but nothing about his rise has been traditional.”

A Look at Deion Sanders’ Collegiate Coaching Resume

In September of 2020, Sanders took on the role of head coach at Jackson State University.

Over three seasons, he led the Tigers to a 27-6 overall record, including an undefeated regular season in 2022. Under his leadership, Jackson State won back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championships in 2021 and 2022. Sanders was honored with the Eddie Robinson Award in 2021, recognizing him as the top FCS head coach. Notably, he successfully recruited top talent, including five-star recruit Travis Hunter.

In December 2022, Sanders was appointed head coach at Colorado, marking his entry into the FBS. In his inaugural season in 2023, he led the Buffaloes to a 4-8 record, showing improvement from the previous 1-11 season.

This season, Sanders guided Colorado to a 9-3 record, earning their first bowl game appearance since 2020. His dynamic coaching style and ability to attract high-caliber recruits like Hunter, who won the 2024 Heisman trophy after following him to Colorado, could interest the Bears.

It’s clear Sanders’ players respect and revere him, but the Pro Football Hall of Famer’s outspoken personality and penchant for media attention may not sit well with the McCaskey family, the team’s current owners.

The McCaskey’s Don’t Favor Strong-Willed Coaches

The McCaskey family’s aversion to strong-headed coaches is evident in their actions. And actions speak louder than words, after all.

The team hasn’t had a truly outspoken head coach since Mike Ditka, who led the franchise to it’s lone Super Bowl victory in 1985. Ditka, known for his assertive demeanor, frequently clashed with former team president Michael McCaskey. These conflicts culminated in Ditka’s dismissal after the 1992 season.

In the years following Ditka’s departure, the team’s leadership has favored coaches with more subdued personalities. The Bears chose Marc Trestman over future Super Bowl winner Bruce Arians. That’s one example. The hirings of Dick Jauron, Matt Nagy and Matt Eberflus are three others.

This pattern suggests a deliberate move by the McCaskey family to avoid the internal conflicts. For that reason, it’s highly unlikely we’ll ever see Coach Prime leading Bears Nation. Never say never, though.

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The Bears had running back Roschon Johnson back on the field as a full participant in practice for the first time since Week 13’s first matchup against the Lions. The 2023 fourth-round pick sustained a concussion in the team’s Thanksgiving Day loss to the Lions and has missed the past two games while working through the NFL protocol.

The Bears also removed starting running back D’Andre Swift from their injury report entirely. Swift has not missed a game for the Bears this season, but he has been dealing with injuries to his quadriceps (Week 14) and knee (Week 15) over the past two weeks and missed four of six practices as a result. Now, he seems to have a clean bill of health.

The Bears only held a walkthrough on Wednesday, so all participation is estimated for the injury report. That said, it is an encouraging step in the right direction for the Bears to have both of their top running backs practicing in full ahead of their divisional game.

The Bears (4-11) will meet the Lions (12-1) at 1 p.m. Eastern Time on December 22.

Teven Jenkins Added to Injury Report With New Issue

While the Bears got good news for their backfield on Wednesday’s first injury report, they also added one of their key offensive line starters — left guard Teven Jenkins — to the report with a new calf injury and held him out of the first practice for the Lions.

Jenkins finished as Pro Football Focus’ third-highest-graded player for the Bears in Week 15’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings and has been one of their most reliable interior linemen in a 2024 season riddled with offensive line issues. If the Bears cannot clear him in time for Sunday’s game, they could ask Doug Kramer Jr. to start in his place.

The Bears could also potentially turn to veteran Ryan Bates as Jenkins’ replacement against the Vikings, but they will need him to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol before they can give him any real consideration. Bates has played just three games — and 105 total snaps — for the Bears since arriving in an offseason trade with Buffalo. He has not practiced since sustaining his concussion in November 17’s loss to Green Bay.

The Bears also began the week without starting left tackle Braxton Jones practicing. Jones reported concussion symptoms to the team one day before their Monday Night Football showdown with the Vikings in Week 15, leading the team to rule him out for the matchup. He must also clear the league’s concussion protocol to play Sunday.

Either rookie Kiran Amegadjie — who had a brutal first career start against the Vikings — or veteran Jake Curhan would be in line to start if Jones cannot suit up this week.

Lions Have Crowded Injury Report for Week 16 at Bears

The Lions had a significantly busier injury report than the Bears for Wednesday’s first practice ahead of their Week 16 matchup, but the issues are not as deep as they seem.

The Lions listed nine players as non-participants on their injury report for Wednesday’s first practice, but two-thirds of them sat out with designated rest days. Safety Brian Branch (calf), left guard Graham Glasgow (knee) and running back David Montgomery (knee) are the only three who did not participate in practice due to an injury.

That said, the Lions have had terrible luck with injuries outside of those listed on the injury report. They just lost star defensive tackle Alim McNeill to a season-ending ACL tear and cornerback Carlton Davis to a fractured jaw that will keep him out until deep in the postseason. They could also still lose Montgomery, who injured his knee in Week 15’s loss to the Bills but is still seeking a third opinion on the injury’s severity.

Both teams will hold two more practices before turning in their final injury report for Week 16’s game in Chicago.

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One of them is whether they should continue to give second year cornerback Tyrique Stevenson playing time.

Stevenson’s season has been full of learning experiences, to be sure, but the second-year DB hasn’t seemed to have matured much as the year has progressed. Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder compiled a list of every move each NFC squad should make right now, and for the Bears, he believes they should start Terrell Smith over Stevenson.

“Tyrique Stevenson has had a disappointing season and recently began splitting reps with fellow 2023 draftee Terell Smith, who has taken advantage of the opportunities,” Holder wrote on December 17.

“Heading into this weekend, the fifth-round pick had just a 66.7 passer rating when targeted and earned a 79.8 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024,” Holder added. “With the Bears playing for the future over the next several weeks, it’s time to see what Smith can do in the CB2 role full-time.”

There’s a Compelling Case to Be Made for Benching Tyrique Stevenson & Starting Terell Smith

Benching Stevenson, a 2023 second-round pick, in favor of Smith, a 2023 fifth-rounder out of the University of Minnesota, might raise a few eyebrows. But Smith has done relatively well in limited opportunities, and could benefit from increased playing time.

Smith has played just 27% of Chicago’s defensive snaps this season after playing 50% of them last year, largely because he missed time earlier in the season with a hip injury.

So far this season, Smith has 16 total tackles and three passes defensed, also snagging the first interception of his career Week 11 against the rival Green Bay Packers. Considering Stevenson’s recent struggles coupled with his issues earlier in the season, it’s fair to wonder what starting Smith would look like.

According to PFF, Stevenson has a coverage grade of 57.4, whereas Smith’s is better at 72.9. Stevenson has also given up for touchdowns in coverage, while Smith has yet to give up a score. Chicago might benefit from seeing more of what Smith can do with increased opportunities.

Tyrique Stevenson Had Lapses vs. 49ers, Vikings

Stevenson’s issues this season — from the Fail Mary to his $19,697 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct after he tripped Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams — have raised legit concerns about his discipline and decision-making. So has his play art times.

Early in Chicago’s Week 14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Stevenson was involved in a critical defensive lapse, losing coverage on wide receiver Jauan Jennings, which resulted in a 7-yard touchdown pass that set the tone for the 49ers’ offense.

This misstep was part of a broader defensive struggle, as the Bears allowed multiple big plays, contributing to a 38-13 defeat.

A week later, on the road against the Minnesota Vikings, Stevenson hauled in his second interception of the year. The Bears were down 10-0 at the time, and he proceeded to mock the home crowd after the pick. Chicago lost, 30-12, with Stevenson also getting flagged for pass interference later in the game.

The Bears’ coaching staff now faces some huge decisions on how to address Stevenson’s maturity issues, and with Smith currently available, the writing may already be on the wall. We’ll see how it goes over the next three weeks.

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Jefferson was a key target for the Vikes as usual, snagging seven receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown in the win.

The Bears, now at 4-10 after their eighth straight loss, struggled to find offensive rhythm throughout the entire game. Williams completed 18 of 31 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown, but he faced constant pressure, getting sacked twice while also losing a fumble.

It was a relatively rough outing for the Bears’ rookie QB in a season that has been full of tumultuous moments, but ESPN’s cameras captured Jefferson saying the following to Williams during postgame handshakes: “You’re a killer, boy. Keep doing your thing.”

Caleb Williams Would Be Wise to Heed Justin Jefferson’s Advice

Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, has faced myriad challenges over his rookie season so far. While many of Williams’ issues are self-inflicted, the beleaguered offensive line assembled by general manager Ryan Poles isn’t doing the rookie signal-caller any favors.

Throughout the season, Williams has been sacked an NFL-high 58 times, contributing to his difficulties in establishing consistent offensive production. Some of those sacks are on him for holding onto the ball too long, but more can be attributed to a leaky and banged-up O-line. Despite it all, Williams has shown flashes of his potential, throwing for 2,937 yards, 17 TDs and five interceptions through his 14 starts.

Williams has also already had to deal with a revolving door at both offensive coordinator and head coach. Chicago’s offensive struggles led to the mid-season dismissal of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus. Through it all, the rookie QB has remained a bright spot, setting Bears rookie records for completions, passing yards and touchdowns.

Year 2 Will Be Pivotal for Williams

The Bears are likely hiring an offensive-minded head coach this offseason, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. If the team wants Williams to fulfill his potential, that’s probably the best route to take.

Another top priority needs to be completely revamping an offensive line that has been nothing short of a liability this season. Williams has been sacked over 11% of the time he has dropped back to pass, and that cannot happen again next year.

An offensive mind may also help Chicago get off to faster starts.

Williams’ lone touchdown pass against the Vikings was a 16-yard strike to veteran receiver Keenan Allen in the fourth quarter. The Bears’ offense was unable to score in the first half for the third consecutive game, highlighting ongoing struggles in their offensive execution.

“It’s been frustrating and encouraging,” Williams said after the Vikings game when asked to describe his rookie season. “I would say the frustrating part is obviously we were on a  — how many games now? Eight? Yeah, 8-game losing streak. … That’s the frustrating part. The encouraging part is how much we fight as a team.”

Through everything, Williams’ resilience and flashes of brilliance have given fans a glimmer of hope for the franchise’s future, even as the team faces organizational upheaval once again.

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The Bears dropped their eighth consecutive game and fell to 4-10 on the season with their Monday Night Football loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15, losing 30-12 in a deflating performance that raised serious questions about how Poles has constructed the roster over the past three offseasons and the team’s direction under his leadership.

With just three games left, the Bears will finish with no more than seven wins for a third straight season after beginning 2024 with a 4-2 record. They have fired two top coaches midseason — including head coach Matt Eberflus — and have allowed No. 1 overall pick and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to take a beating with a league-high 58 sacks.

Most frustrating, perhaps, is how the culture Poles has bragged about cultivating over the past three years seems to have completely dissolved amid the brutal losing streak. And after yet another divisional loss, Bears fans are saying enough is enough.

“Ryan Poles should not be the GM after this season,” One Bears fan wrote on X.

Added another fan: “I’m officially out on Ryan Poles.”

“Ryan Poles NEEDS to be fired,” Another Bears fan emphasized on X. “I don’t want him making any more decisions for this team. [Head coach and offensive line] should be chosen by someone who knows what they’re doing.”

The frustrated posts went on and on — and on — with members of Chicago media also openly questioning whether Poles should keep his job beyond the 2024 season.

“Ryan Poles may have three games left in his Bears tenure,” 670 The Score’s Marshall Harris said. “That’s becoming more real with every passing day, every passing game.”

Ryan Poles’ Mistakes as General Manager Loom Large

The Bears are heading into a crucial — and frustratingly familiar — offseason in 2025 in which they will feel pressure to get their next head coaching hire correct or risk wasting the potential of another first-round starting quarterback. Looking back at his resume, though, it is fair to question whether Poles is the right man to lead that coaching search.

Poles is often lauded for his forward-thinking 2023 trade with the Carolina Panthers that netted his roster numerous assets, including wide receiver D.J. Moore and the pick that would eventually become the No. 1 overall selection and help them land Williams. As much of a victory as it was, though, a great deal of luck played into the equation and also put Poles in a position where his path forward was obvious. (Ex: Taking Williams).

Poles has also earned a few more wins along the way. He overcame a trade request from All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson and signed him to a long-term contract extension. He turned the No. 9 pick in 2023 into two quality starters, moving back one spot to acquire picks that would become right tackle Darnell Wright and punter Tory Taylor. He’s also made a few good value signings, such as T.J. Edwards and Andrew Billings.

Poles has also made many bad moves, though, including signing Nate Davis to a big contract or trading a second-round pick for 10 games of Chase Claypool. Most egregious are his failing with the offensive line — which could have four new starters in 2025 — as a former offensive lineman and his unwavering support for Eberflus as head coach as the team weighed the best way to take advantage of Williams’ rookie season in 2024.

Hindsight is 20-20, but Poles’ resume doesn’t ooze with confidence-inspiring decisions.

How Firm is Bears’ Vote of Confidence in Ryan Poles?

On December 4, Bears team president Kevin Warren offered his vote of confidence for Poles and spoke with certainty about him staying on as the general manager in 2025.

“Ryan is young, he’s talented, he’s bright, he’s hard-working. He has done everything in his power on a daily basis to bring a winner to Chicago, and I’m confident in Ryan. My faith remains strong in Ryan,” Warren said. “And as the leader of our football operations department, and as our general manager, Ryan Poles will serve as the point person on our coach, for our upcoming search for a permanent head coach.”

If the Bears lose out and finish 4-13 on the season, though, Warren could change his mind about Poles’ role in the future of the organization. His decisions as GM directly contributed to the horror show that unfolded in Minneapolis on Monday night with many of his hand-selected roster additions falling short of expectations under the lights.

Poles has also earned zero credit with his involvement in the hiring process. The team has needed to fire or ask for the resignations of nine different coaches since he took over the job in January 2022. Can the organization really trust him to hire Eberflus’ replacement when his choice could make or break Williams’ tenure in Chicago?

Warren will have much to consider over the final three weeks.

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Chicago’s tailspin continued on Monday, December 16, as the team fell to the Minnesota Vikings in its eighth consecutive loss. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams looked banged up and exhausted on the sidelines, while the Bears defense was unable to keep Minnesota from hitting the 30-point mark in a blowout defeat that dropped Chicago to 4-10 on the year.

Wide receiver Davante Adams, who plays for the equally hapless New York Jets and spent years beating up on the Bears twice every season as a member of the Green Bay Packers, added more insult Tuesday as Chicago licked its wounds and tried to figure out where to go next.

Kay Adams of the “Up & Adams” show on FanDuel TV interviewed the wideout and asked him pointblank whether he would ever play for his former NFC North Division rival.

“No,” he responded flatly.

“My whole control room just erupted in laughter,” the host said through some light chuckles of her own.

The six-time Pro Bowler, laughing as well by this point, went on to elaborate on his thinking.

“Look, I’m not playing too much longer as it is. So on my last days in this league, after all I’ve been blessed with, I will not be going to Chicago,” he continued. “I respect everyone I play, but I’m not playing for the Bears. No.”

Davante Adams Hasn’t Played Meaningful Football Since Leaving Packers

GettyNew York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams.

Adams’ disdain for the Bears appeared to be a mix of his distaste for the franchise via a former long-lasting rivalry, but also a shot at the organization and its protracted struggles since the end of the Lovie Smith era following the 2012 campaign.

Chicago has made the playoffs just twice in the 11 full seasons since Smith exited as head coach of the franchise, and that figure will jump to twice in 12 years once the 2024 campaign comes to a close. The Bears have not won a playoff game since the 2010 postseason.

That said, there is an element to Adams’ comments that relates to the parable of throwing stones while residing in a glass house. The wideout has been somewhere between good and elite in his three seasons since leaving Green Bay, but his streak of Pro Bowls snapped after one year with the Las Vegas Raiders, a team that then unceremoniously parted ways with Adams’ good friend and collegiate teammate Derek Carr.

Adams hasn’t had the best public relations image since leaving the Packers, either. He shoved a photographer/college student to the ground after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 and subsequently threw his Raiders teammates under the proverbial bus multiple times via angry outbursts of sideline frustration over the past couple seasons.

Ultimately, Adams demanded and a trade from the Raiders earlier this year while sidelined with a hamstring injury, which some talking heads speculated he might be trumping up until he got what he wanted. Las Vegas caved and shipped him to the Jets, where his reunion with former Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has meant exactly nothing to a 4-10 team on the brink of blowing up its current blueprint.

Bears Have Hope Heading Into Next Season, Despite Struggles This Year

GettyChicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.

In fairness to Adams, it is hard to expect any star NFL player to be excited about the hypothetical prospect of heading to Chicago after how the team has struggled this year. But the Bears remain in a solid spot heading into the offseason.

The team has north of $82 million in projected 2025 salary cap space. Chicago also currently owns nine picks in next year’s draft, including its own first-rounder, which is likely to fall inside the top 10. The Bears also have two second-rounders (their own and one from the Carolina Panthers) that are both likely to fall between the mid-30s and early 40s.

The Bears need a ton of help on the offensive line, which should allow Williams to better develop as a professional passer. He has struggled in that regard, as some of his other rookie counterparts have made significant leaps in 2024.

Chicago will also likely hire a new coach to replace interim head coach Thomas Brown. An offensive guru and QB whisperer, such as offensive coordinator Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions, could help turn around a sputtering attack and aid in Williams’ elevation as a player in year 2.

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Williams and the Bears endured another embarrassing loss to the Vikings in Week 15, failing to score a single point until the third quarter and limping away from U.S. Bank Stadium with a 30-12 loss — their eighth consecutive loss dating back to October 27. The Vikings clobbered Williams in the game, sacking him twice and hitting him another six times — and that’s only counting the official hits recorded in the box score.

By the fourth quarter, Williams looked exhausted on the sideline between drives. He even slumped onto his side at one point in visible pain, producing a viral clip that has since made the rounds on social media. The clip also caught Aikman’s attention live during ESPN’s game broadcast, prompting him to speak his piece about Williams.

“I was 0-11 as a starter and he’s had a much better rookie season than I had,” Aikman said. “He was grimacing and in an enormous amount of pain. And as I watch him, you can tell that he’s a defeated guy. I mentioned that he hasn’t been through anything like this in his career, and what you worry about is a rookie quarterback losing confidence.”

Aikman then floated his controversial suggestion to the Bears, advocating for the team to bench Williams for the rest of the 2024 season to avoid destroying his confidence.

Caleb Williams Has Taken Most Sacks in Bears History

Aikman is right about one thing: Williams is taking a beating out there for Chicago.

Through 14 games, Williams has been sacked a franchise-record 58 times. That brutal tally also ranks him third in NFL history for most sacks taken by a rookie quarterback, putting him behind only former Houston Texans quarterback David Carr (76 in 2002) and Carolina Panthers starter Bryce Young (62 in 2023) — both No. 1 overall selections.

Considering the high volume of hits that Carr took contributed to the premature ending of his NFL career, the Bears should feel legitimately concerned about their quarterback and the beatings he has taken throughout his rookie year. Williams also still has three more games left to play before the end of the season, meaning it could get even worse.

While the Bears are unlikely to take Aikman’s advice on benching Williams, they should look at his sack-heavy rookie season as an urgent sign for what they need to accomplish during the 2025 offseason. The offensive line that general manager Ryan Poles has built for his quarterbacks over the past three offseasons is simply not good enough, and that needs to change if the franchise wants to make the most of Williams’ promising career.

Until then, though, the franchise will have to cross its fingers and hope Williams can make it to the end of the season with both his health and confidence still intact.

Benching Caleb Williams Could Hurt More Than Help

The Bears could at least consider the possibility of benching Williams for his own safety during the final three games of the 2024 season, but they must also weigh whether such a move would have an adverse effect and do more harm than good to their franchise.

Despite the 4-10 record and the high number of sacks, Williams has shown tremendous promise throughout his rookie season. He already holds the franchise’s rookie records for completions (288), passing yards (2,937) and passing touchdowns (17) with three more games left to play. He has also not thrown an interception since the sixth game of his career, extending his active streak to eight games without a pick against the Vikings.

Yes, the Bears would eliminate the risk of Williams sustaining a significant injury if they were to bench him in favor of second-year backup Tyson Bagent down the stretch, but such a decision could eat away at Williams’ confidence more than the sacks themselves.

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The Bears had to make an adjustment to their lineup for Monday night’s rematch with the Vikings after starting left tackle Braxton Jones reported concussion-like symptoms to the team’s training staff one day before the game. As a result, the Bears added him to the injury report and ruled him out, raising questions about who would replace him.

While some believed Borom — who made two starts at left tackle earlier in the season — would slide back into the lineup, the Bears have instead elected to give Amegadjie his first career start and see what he can do down the stretch of their 4-9 campaign.

“Rookie Kiran Amegadjie will start at left tackle in place of Braxton Jones (concussion), who was a late add to the injury report,” Cronin reported on X before kickoff. “Bears opting to get a look at the third-rounder over [fourth-year] veteran Larry Borom.”

A separate report from The Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs suggested the Bears did not even consider Borom to start in Week 15’s game. In reporting the same news about the rookie’s first career starter, he noted the Bears chose Amegadjie over “journeyman” backup Jake Curhan, who has played just 86 offensive snaps for Chicago this season.

The Bears (4-9) will kick off against the Vikings (11-2) at 8 p.m. Eastern Time tonight.

Larry Borom Squandered Opportunities With Bears

The Bears passing over Borom for a late-season start might have been more surprising if he had not already disappointed in his two spot-starts earlier in the 2024 season.

When Jones missed two games with a knee injury toward the middle of the season, the Bears called upon Borom to replace him in the lineup and saw him sink to new career lows in terms of both his pass-blocking and run-blocker. Pro Football Focus’ metrics have him at six sacks and 14 pressures allowed in just 123 pass-blocking snaps this season, and they are no more flattering when looking exclusively at his run-blocking.

Based on PFF’s grading system, Borom ranks 111th in pass-blocking (49.6 grade) and 128th in run-blocking (44.6) out of 134 qualifying offensive tackles in the NFL.

With Borom also playing on an expiring rookie contract, the Bears likely know all that they need to know about evaluating his long-term future with the team, hence their desire to see what Amegadjie — signed through 2027 — can offer them for the future.

Bears Choosing Kiran Amegadjie Could Help in 2025

The Bears’ decision to start Amegadjie against the Vikings in Week 15 could backfire if Minnesota’s edge rushers wreak havoc on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense in the prime-time duel. From an evaluation perspective, though, rolling out the third-round rookie for his first career start seems like the correct long-term decision.

The Bears will have significant questions to answer about their offensive line when they reach the 2025 offseason. Pretty much every position is — or should be — considered up for grabs with the exception of the right tackle spot, where former top-10 pick Darnell Wright is holding things down for the Bears. Jones will return for the final year of his rookie contract, but the Bears could look to replace him in the offseason if they feel they need a stronger group of front-line blockers in front of Williams moving forward.

That’s where Amegadjie comes in. Before the Bears start considering long-term options at left tackle, they need to know what their third-round rookie pick can offer them and determine whether he can legitimately compete for a starting job in 2025. Should he impress, they may feel comfortable letting him and Jones duke it out for the job in 2025 and push off adding more competitors to the position until the 2026 offseason.

On the flip side, Amegadjie struggling against the Vikings — or any other starts he may receive down the stretch of the 2024 season — could convince the Bears that they need a more substantial option at left tackle moving forward. Even if it only prompts them to search for a new swing tackle, it helps them to have more intel on Amegadjie.

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The team announced that starting left tackle Braxton Jones will miss its contest against the Minnesota Vikings on “Monday Night Football” due to a head injury.

“Braxton Jones has been ruled out of #CHIvsMIN due to a concussion and is not traveling with the team to Minnesota,” the official Bears X account posted.

Jones’s situation is mildly unusual in that he self-reported possible concussion symptoms to the team, but didn’t do so until Sunday. The injury presumably occurred during Chicago’s most recent contest against the San Francisco 49ers on December 8, though it is also possible Jones could have sustained the concussion during a practice at some point during the week.

Bears Offensive Line Among Worst in NFL Through 14 Weeks

GettyChicago Bears left tackle Braxton Jones.

Jones isn’t an elite offensive lineman, but he is a crucial part of the Bears’ front.

Part of that is because he plays left tackle and is responsible for protecting the blindside of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. He is also probably the best player on the unit outside of left guard Teven Jenkins.

Chicago’s O-line has suffered through multiple issues this season, including injuries to several starters and reserves. The Bears also parted was with former starting right guard Nate Davis in early November, who the team benched on multiple occasions due to poor performance and a lack of effort during practices.

The offensive line entered the Week 15 as the 25th-ranked unit in the league, according to Zóltan Buday of Pro Football Focus.

“Although the Bears’ offensive line let up just eight pressures on 33 pass plays against the [San Francisco] 49ers, five turned into sacks. As a result, Chicago ranked 22nd in Week 14 in PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating (80.3),” Buday wrote. “Center Coleman Shelton had a rough outing against San Francisco, allowing four pressures — including two sacks. Shelton gave up pressure on 12.1% of pass plays, the worst rate among centers in Week 14.”

Bears Must Make Tough Call on Who Will Replace Braxton Jones at Left Tackle

GettyOffensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie of the Chicago Bears.

The Bears must now make a decision between Larry Borom and rookie Kiran Amegadjie as Jones’s replacement against Minnesota.

Both men have overall player grades of 49.6, per PFF, though neither has seen enough snaps to qualify for an official ranking at the tackle position in 2024. If either had, he would be fairly low on the list.

By contrast, Jones is 21st out of 81 tackles who have qualified for rankings. However, he still has major flaws to his game.

Jones has committed 7 penalties and allowed 5 sacks this season, which rank 104th and 109th in the league, respectively. He’s allowed 26 total pressures and struggles against the run, with a run-blocking grade of just 69.1.

As a result of Jones’s flaws, and struggles blocking in the passing game across the unit, Chicago has allowed 56 sacks of Williams for a combined 377 yards of lost yardage through 13 games.

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The Bears officially ruled out starting defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. on the injury report following Saturday’s final practice of the week, electing to shut him down after he missed the entire week of practice with the knee injury he sustained in Week 14’s loss.

The Bears are also keeping starting running back D’Andre Swift’s playing status up in the air, listing him as questionable to play against the Vikings because of a quad injury. Swift did not participate in the week’s first two practices with his injury but returned in a limited capacity for Saturday’s final session, leaving the door open for him to play.

Similarly, Swift earned a questionable designation ahead of Week 14’s game against the San Francisco 49ers after missing the first two practices of the week with a knee injury. The 25-year-old ended up playing a season-high 79% of offensive snaps for the Bears, rushing 14 times for 38 yards and catching one pass for 2 yards in Chicago’s 38-13 loss.

That said, the Bears could have significant personnel problems if Swift cannot suit up against the Vikings. They have already ruled out goal-line/short-yardage back Roschon Johnson with a concussion on the injury report and count Travis Homer — primarily a special teams player — as the only other healthy running back on their 53-man roster.

The Bears (4-9) will meet the Vikings (11-2) for their second and final matchup of the 2024 season on Monday Night Football at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on December 16.

Bears Elevate Darrynton Evans as Depth vs. Vikings

The Bears are not ruling out the possibility of Swift playing against the Vikings, but, like in Week 14 against San Francisco, they are calling up help from the practice squad.

The Bears officially elevated running back Darrynton Evans from the practice squad to the game-day roster on December 15, turning to him to fortify their running back room for a second consecutive week with injuries ailing the position group. Evans did not play significant snaps against the 49ers after the Bears cleared Swift to play, but he gained 3 yards on three carries in his limited action and may see more snaps this week.

The Bears might simply need a week-to-week patchwork guy to handle reps while their primary running backs are recovering from their injuries, but it doesn’t hurt to evaluate Evans as a potential fit for their 2025 offseason roster. The 2020 third-round pick has struggled to find a true fit with an NFL team, but the Bears will need additional backs to compete throughout the offseason and training camp — and maybe surprise them.

If Evans falters, though, the Bears also have veteran Royce Freeman to consider calling up to the active roster in their final three games of the 2024 regular season. The Bears signed Freeman to their practice squad on December 11, just one day after cutting ties with Demetric Felton, and his experience could prove useful if Evans can’t get the job done and the injuries with Chicago’s other backs extend beyond Week 15’s game.

Vikings Clear Most of Injury Report Ahead of Bears

As for the Vikings, the injury concerns are not as severe as they are for the Bears.

The Vikings only listed one player — veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore — with a game-status designation on their final injury report. Gilmore is questionable with a hamstring injury that sidelined him in Week 14’s game against the Atlanta Falcons and kept him off the field for Minnesota’s first two practices of Week 15. He did, however, return for Friday’s final practice as a limited participant, giving him a chance to play.

Everyone else received the green light from the Vikings, including running back Aaron Jones (back), linebacker Patrick Jones II (knee) and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (hip) — all of whom began the week as limited participants in practice.

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The Bears have desperately needed a quality starting center on their roster for some time now, having spent the past several seasons cycling through a variety of average-to-below-average options, including Cody Whitehair, Lucas Patrick and Coleman Shelton. And with Shelton — their current starter — playing on an expiring contract in 2024, they will almost certainly have to go back to the well for another new option in 2025.

Fortunately, Atlanta Falcons star Drew Dalman may provide them with a solution.

Windy City Gridiron’s Jacob Infante recently ran a mock of the Bears’ 2025 offseason, examining potential options in both free agency and the NFL draft and making several predictions about what Chicago should do with its ample cap space and draft resources.

One of his top predictions? The Bears will sign Dalman to a three-year, $37 million deal that will make him one of the NFL’s highest-paid players at the position, locking down a high-level starter to help protect quarterback Caleb Williams for the foreseeable future.

“Dalman has topped a PFF grade above 78.0 in three of his four seasons in the NFL,” Infante wrote, a reference to Dalman’s elite grades both as a run-blocker and overall in 2024. “At 26 years old, he has solidified himself as one of the top centers in the league.”

Drew Dalman is an Elite-Caliber Run-Blocking Center

Dalman has been an absolute force for the Falcons’ run game since they drafted him in the fourth round of the 2021 draft, making him a potential free-agent gem for the Bears.

According to Pro Football Focus, Dalman has been one of the best run-blockers over the past three seasons, finishing with the third-best run-blocking PFF grades in both 2023 (90.0) and 2022 (82.3). He has also continued to maintain that reputation again in 2024, currently owning the fourth-best run-blocking grade (89.1) — and fourth-best overall grade (85.3) — among NFL centers through the first 14 weeks of the season.

No doubt, the Bears — who have a bottom-10 run offense in 2024 — could use an asset like Dalman opening gaps and creating space for their talented group of running backs. The big question is: Can Dalman make the necessary improvements as a pass-blocker?

Despite his run-blocking success, Dalman has struggled with pass-blocking at the NFL level. He has allowed two sacks and seven total pressures as a pass-blocking in 2024, which would sound fine if not also for the fact that he has played just 160 pass-blocking snaps due to a high-ankle sprain that cost him eight games for the Falcons after Week 4.

That said, Pro Football Focus recognizes his high-end potential. In the site’s preseason rankings of the top NFL centers for the 2024 season, PFF listed Dalman as its ninth-ranked overall center with a disclaimer that he can become “one of the game’s few elite centers” if he can improve his pass-blocking and become a better all-around blocker.

Sounds like the type of potential Chicago should take a chance on.

Bears Miss Out on Top Potential Center Draft Prospect

There are a few flaws with the possibility of the Bears targeting Dalman. For starters, the Falcons could easily decide he is worth the investment and sign him to a lucrative contract extension that prevents him from testing the waters in free agency. Chicago could also have other free agents to consider at the position, none more notable than former Indianapolis Colts first-round pick and four-time Pro Bowler Ryan Kelly.

In terms of a finding a new center, though, the NFL draft looks like a bad bet in 2025.

The 2025 draft class was already looking relatively weak in terms of interior offensive linemen with better selections of guards than centers. The options at center got even thinner on December 12 when Alabama’s Parker Brailsford — the top center prospect for both PFF and ESPN — announced he would return to school in 2025 instead of declaring for the draft. That leaves slim pickings for teams needing a starting center.

Now, the Bears could still take a chance on one of the remaining prospects in the class. USC’s Jonah Monheim is another enticing center prospect who has previously blocked for Williams; though, 2024 is his first year at center after playing tackle and guard in the past. Another possibility — if he declares — is Ohio State’s Seth McLaughlin, who just received the Rimington Award given to college football’s best center each year.

Ultimately, though, the Bears should have received a wake-up call in 2024 about the flaws with how they have constructed their offensive line over the past three offseasons. And if Ryan Poles — or his potential successor — is listening, then he should know that there can be no half-measures anymore. Time to spend money on veteran linemen.

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After firing Matt Eberflus on November 29, the franchise hopes it can rejuvenate an offense that has been stagnant for decades. Johnson’s innovative offensive schemes combined with Williams’ potential, could do just that.

The current Lions OC is expected to once again be one of the top head coaching candidates when the season concludes, and according to insider Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog, Johnson and former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel are serious contenders. His comment about Johnson in particular is interesting:

“I really think Vrabel is a serious head coach,” Hughes wrote on December 11, adding: “And I know Ben Johnson loves Caleb.”

Jeff Hughes: Ben Johnson’s People Have Let Bears Know He’s Interested

Hughes added another wrinkle to his initial post about Johnson in his December 13 column.

“Ben Johnson’s people have made it clear to the Bears that he’s interested. But the process of communication with Johnson will be complicated by the (expected) deep playoff run for the Lions,” Johnson noted. “Would the Bears be okay waiting for Johnson till after a Super Bowl? ‘Yes,’ I was told, unequivocally, if he’s the guy.”

Few insiders in Chicago are as tuned in as Hughes is, so when he posts something like this, it’s worth paying attention to.

Under Johnson’s leadership, the Lions offense has become one of the league’s most formidable units. So far in 2024, Detroit boasts a league-leading average of 32.1 points per game, with quarterback Jared Goff looking like a legitimate MVP candidate. Johnson’s approach emphasizes versatility and innovation, often incorporating trick plays and diverse formations to keep defenses off balance. The Bears could sure use some of that.

Johnson’s experience in developing quarterbacks and designing schemes that cater to their strengths could be instrumental in helping Williams take the next steps. Johnson’s track record with the Lions also suggests he could be a strong mentor for Williams, helping enhance his strengths while also addressing areas that need improvement, like decision-making under pressure.

Ben Johnson Already Loves Caleb Williams & for Good Reason

Johnson is known for his detailed game plans and his ability to maximize player strengths, fostering a dynamic and resilient offense. His commitment to organizational alignment and long-term success makes him an intriguing candidate for the Bears as they search for what may be their most crucial head coach hiring ever. That’s not hyperbole. The team spent the No. 1 overall pick on Williams in 2024, and his development is of paramount importance.

Williams has already shown a keen ability to generate impressive velocity from multiple arm angles and platforms. Combined with his accuracy while on the move, he has already established himself as a unique talent. Check out this throw:

It’s easy to see why Johnson loves what he has seen from Williams.

For Bears Nation, it’s a potential pairing that intrigues for numerous reasons. Johnson’s emphasis on creativity and adaptability would align well with Williams’ ability to execute complex plays and make spontaneous decisions. This partnership could foster an environment where Williams’ talents would be fully utilized, and his decision-making more refined under Johnson’s guidance.

The Bears have long sought a dynamic and effective offense. Pairing Johnson and Williams could offer a strategic pathway to finally get one. Johnson’s innovative approach could revitalize the Bears’ offensive schemes, while Williams’ playmaking abilities would give fans something to cheer for again. We’ll see what happens, but Johnson’s is clearly a top name to watch.

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Dexter was listed as a non-participant on the injury report for Thursday’s first practice of the week due to the knee injury he sustained in Week 14’s loss to San Francisco. The report did note that Chicago conducted a walkthrough on Thursday and that all player participation was an estimation, but it still raises concerns about Dexter’s game status.

Dexter exited in the first half of the Bears’ 38-13 loss to the 49ers and briefly went into the team’s sideline medical tent, emerging with a large brace on his right knee before returning to the game. While Dexter kept playing, though, the Bears restricted him to a season-low 13 defensive snaps, seemingly in response to the issue with his knee.

The Bears will find themselves in a tough spot if Dexter cannot play against the Vikings on Monday Night Football. They are already down one interior defensive starter with Andrew Billings on injured reserve with a potentially season-ending pectoral injury. If Dexter is also shut down, the Bears will have to rely on Zacch Pickens, Chris Williams and Byron Cowart to play the bulk of their interior snaps against the Vikings.

The Bears (4-9) will face the Vikings (11-2) at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on December 16.

Bears Also Experiencing Notable Injury Issues at RB

Dexter might be a new addition to the injury report on Thursday, but he is not the only one that the Bears held out of practice ahead of prime time against the Vikings.

Neither of Chicago’s top two running backs — D’Andre Swift (groin) and Roschon Johnson (concussion) — participated in Thursday’s first practice. Johnson remains in the NFL concussion protocol, which kept him out of Week 14’s game against the 49ers. Meanwhile, Swift is on the injury report for a second consecutive week, but the Bears have now listed him with a groin injury instead of the quad injury he had in Week 14.

The Bears also held out offensive lineman Ryan Bates (concussion) and cornerback Josh Blackwell (shoulder) from Thursday’s practice. Blackwell is also a new addition to the injury report, and his injury could create problems for the Bears in the return game. He is the team’s backup punt returner and their primary return specialist — DeAndre Carter — is out for the remainder of the season after landing on IR on December 11.

In encouraging news, safety Elijah Hicks — who has missed three games with an ankle injury — practiced as a limited participant for the first time since November 15.

Vikings’ Roster in Good Health Ahead of Bears Game

From the Vikings’ end of things, the injury report is looking pretty good ahead of their Monday Night Football matchup with the Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

The Vikings had just one player on their 53-man roster — veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore — not participating in Thursday’s walkthrough. Gilmore missed Week 14’s game against the Arizona Cardinals with a hamstring injury and continues to miss time with the injury, putting his status for Monday night’s game against Chicago in doubt.

Fortunately for Minnesota, everyone else on their 53-man roster practiced. The Vikings did, however, limit three players with injuries: running back Aaron Jones (back), linebacker Patrick Jones II (knee) and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (hip).

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The Bears officially signed former Denver Broncos third-round pick Royce Freeman to their practice squad on December 11, bringing in the 28-year-old veteran to fill the spot that running back Demetric Felton vacated when the team released him one day earlier.

Freeman has rushed for 1,792 yards and 10 touchdowns and caught 86 passes for 532 yards and another score since beginning his NFL career in 2018. Most recently, he played 14 games for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023, rushing 77 times for 319 yards and two touchdowns and finishing as their second-leading rusher behind Kyren Williams.

The Bears could be eyeing Freeman for a practice-squad promotion for Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15. Johnson — their preferred short-yardage/goal-line back — remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol ahead of December 12’s first practice of the week. In Week 14, Chicago also had starter D’Andre Swift on the injury report with a quad injury; though, he ended up playing against San Francisco.

The Bears (4-9) will face the Vikings (11-2) for the final time in the 2024 season they meet at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on December 16 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Will Royce Freeman or Darrynton Evans Get the Nod?

The Bears will likely call upon one of their practice-squad running backs if the health of their backfield does not improve by the end of Week 15’s set of practices. They did so in Week 14 against San Francisco, calling up Darryton Evans (signed on November 6) to back up Swift and Travis Homer. He rushed three times for just 3 yards in the loss.

If Chicago needs help again, though, will Freeman bump Evans out of an opportunity?

Evans — a 2020 third-round pick for Tennessee — has averaged just 3.8 yards per carry over 65 career carries and has scored just one touchdown. While his underwhelming numbers can be partially attributed to a lack of opportunity, Evans has recorded eight or more carries in four career games and never crossed the 50-yard-rushing threshold.

Meanwhile, Freeman is more seasoned and more productive. He has rushed for at least 50 yards in 13 career games and finished with at least four receptions in eight games. Even if Evans has an advantage in knowing the offensive system, Freeman seems like the better choice if the Bears decide to call up rushing help from the practice squad.

Of course, whether the Bears promote either of them hinges on Johnson’s health. The 2023 fourth-round pick missed all three practices with his concussion in Week 14, but he may have a shot at playing in Week 15 if he can both return to practice and clear the league’s concussion protocol following the team’s final practice on December 14.

Will Bears Run the Ball Better in Rematch With Vikings?

Regardless of whether injuries impact their personnel, the Bears will need to strive to run the ball better against the Vikings in their rematch after a lousy effort in Week 12.

The Bears rushed 22 times for 78 yards and a touchdown in their 30-27 overtime loss to the Vikings roughly three weeks ago. Those numbers are worse when you can consider that D.J. Moore’s jet sweep accounted for 13 yards and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams added another 33 yards on six scrambles. Swift averaged just 2.3 yards on his 13 carries while Johnson turned in a pair of 1-yard gains, including a touchdown run.

If the Bears want to snap their seven-game losing streak and get payback against the Vikings, they will need a stronger effort out of their backs, especially Swift. The latter has gained 107 rushing yards on 28 carries over the past three games, putting him at a miserably inefficient 2.8 yards per carry. He will need to be better if the Bears want to avoid making Williams throw an excessive amount (47 times in Week 12’s loss).

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One of the names atop the list of priorities is probably cornerback Kyler Gordon, who has produced a breakout campaign in his third NFL season in 2024. Gordon is Chicago’s third starting cornerback, working primarily out of the slot, and has been important to the defense in 2024.

Jacob Infante of Windy City Gridiron projected on December 6 that the Bears will ink Gordon to a three-year, $42 million extension this offseason before he has a chance to become a free agent in March 2026.

“Gordon has been a steady presence for the Bears in the nickel since they drafted him in 2022. At 73.8, he ranks sixth in PFF grading among all cornerbacks who have played more snaps in the slot than out wide this year,” Infante wrote. “He doesn’t reach the wild near-$18 million a year salary Deommodore Lenoir got due to his injury history, but this deal makes Gordon the second-highest paid nickel cornerback in the NFL after the 2025 season.”

Kyler Gordon Thriving in Third CB Role for Bears Defense

GettyChicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon.

The responsibilities of cornerbacks playing on the inside are significantly different than those asked to match up wide, and because of that some statistical categories can be skewed for or against certain players.

That said, Pro Football Focus ranks Gordon the 18th-best cornerback out of 118 players who have seen enough snaps to qualify at the position. His assignments aren’t as difficult as a No. 1 cornerback like Jaylon Johnson who has to line up against the likes of Justin Jefferson and Amon-Ra St. Brown on a regular basis, but the third cornerback spot has grown in importance as NFL offenses have transitioned to more pass-heavy schemes over the last several years.

Chicago selected Gordon with 39th overall pick in the second round of the 2022 draft, and he is currently playing in the third season of a four-year, $8.7 million contract. He has tallied 39 tackles, 8 quarterback pressures, 5 pass breakups and 1 sack in 2024, per PFF.

The Bears have approximately $82.2 million in projected cap space for 2025 as of Wednesday, per Spotrac. The team needs to bolster its offensive line and add at least one more pass rusher over the offseason, but the secondary is an issue as well, which could make Gordon a priority as the team’s third cornerback.

Bears New Head Coaching Hire Will Likely Impact Team’s Offseason Personnel Priorities

GettyQuarterback Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears.

The Bears front office also faces an interesting decision when it comes to hiring a new head coach this offseason, assuming that the team doesn’t keep interim coach Thomas Brown in the role beyond the remainder of this year.

Matt Eberflus was a former defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, and the presence of rookie QB Caleb Williams in the huddle — along with his struggles this year under Eberflus — argue for an offensive-minded replacement.

However, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is among the short-list of candidates for Chicago as of earlier this week, and his exotic brand of defense could shake up the team’s priorities in free agency should he actually land the job.

The Bears are almost certain to name a new head coach before the new league year kicks off in March, and so the person they decide on could have a major impact as to the direction of the personnel the team targets once the transaction period begins.

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According to the team’s transaction wire for December 11, the Bears signed Ford off the Packers’ practice squad and to their 53-man roster on Wednesday, adding depth to the interior of their defensive line for Monday Night Football’s matchup with Minnesota.

Ford, a 2022 seventh-round pick for the Packers, split his time in Green Bay between the active roster and practice squad, but he has not yet played his first career regular-season game. During the 2024 preseason, he played in all three games and notched five tackles (one solo), but he suffered an ankle injury in the Packers’ preseason finale and began the regular season on injured reserve, receiving one of their return designations.

The Bears also placed veteran wide receiver and return specialist DeAndre Carter on the injured reserve list in a corresponding move that opened an active-roster spot for Ford. Carter injured his ankle while returning the first kickoff in Week 14’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers and will now miss the remainder of the regular season for Chicago.

The Bears (4-9) will look to avenge their Week 12 loss to the Vikings (11-2) when they meet on the road for Monday Night Football at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on December 16.

Jonathan Ford Adds Depth, But Will Bears Play Him?

Ford is an intriguing addition for the Bears if for no other reason than they swiped him off their biggest rival’s practice squad, but his chances of playing against the Vikings — or at any point through the end of 2024 — are relatively low, barring any injury news.

The Bears lost veteran Andrew Billings, their top defensive tackle, to a likely season-ending pectoral injury in Week 9 and placed him on injured reserve on November 7, but they have endured with a committee consisting of Gervon Dexter Sr., Zacch Pickens, Chris Williams and Byron Cowart — with end DeMarcus Walker also rotating inside.

Now, if the Bears emerged from Week 14’s loss with a not-yet-disclosed injury, it could change the complexion of things for Ford, but nothing of the sort has been reported as of December 11. If there is an injury, the Bears will have to publicize it when they put out their first injury report for Week 15’s game on Thursday, December 12.

If there’s not an injury, though, Ford will more likely than not be inactive on Monday.

Who Will Replace DeAndre Carter as Bears Returner?

The Bears should have no problem replacing the value that Carter brings to the offense during their final four games of the season. They have already given priority to other receivers, including D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze, and can turn to backups such as Collin Johnson or 2023 fourth-rounder Tyler Scott for depth.

Replacing Carter on kick and punt returns could prove more challenging, though.

The Bears did not return a single kickoff against the 49ers following Carter’s injury, but nickel cornerback Josh Blackwell covered his reps as a punt returner, fielding one for 14 yards in the 38-13 loss. In all likelihood, the Bears will continue to depend on him as their punt returner and could also turn to him for kickoffs if they trust his hands.

Alternatively, the Bears could promote Scott to the primary kickoff returner role. While Scott has been listed as the backup kick returner on the team’s depth chart, he has been a healthy scratch in several games and has played just 20 total snaps: 15 offensive and five on special teams. Maybe the Bears are not sure they can trust him, but there may be no better time to find out than down the final stretch of a four-win season.

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