By the time the clock struck triple zeros on the Chicago Bears (3-9) in Week 12, they had already lost more than a game. They have now dropped five in a row after falling on the road against the New York Jets 31-10. That ties them with the Los Angeles Rams for the second-longest losing streak in the NFL. They are only behind the Houston Texans whom they beat in Week 3.
But losses are to be expected for this team. Particularly at this juncture of the season. Especially considering they entered the contest missing quarterback Justin Fields on offense as well as top picks cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker from the starting lineup.
It got worse. Among others, the Bears lost their other starting safety Eddie Jackson to a non-contact foot injury and top wide receiver Darnell Mooney who got rolled up on.
Jackson was ruled out immediately but his timeline is unclear while Mooney’s outlook is grim.
Jaquan Brisker Sends Strong Message on Bears’ Injuries
Brisker Barks Back
Both Brisker and Gordon missed the contest with concussions suffered in the Week 11 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. With neither on the field, they could only watch as the Bears allowed Jets third-stringer Mike White to carve them up for 315 yards and three touchdowns. He completed over 78% of his passes.
One of those scores came as Jackson made a break on Jets rookie wide receiver Garrett Wilson only to immediately drop to the ground with his injury as Wilson raced to the endzone.
Jackson’s injury elicited a timely response from Brisker who echoed the NFLPA.
Get rid of the Turf, like cmon now. 🙏🏽
— Quanny B. (@JaquanBrisker) November 27, 2022
That score put the Jets back on top 14-10 but it would only get worse for the Bears.
On the first play of the Bears’ second possession in the second half, as they trailed 17-10, Mooney was blocking on a running play only to have safety Jordan Whitehead fall into the back of his leg.
The early reports are not good. Mooney will need season-ending surgery to repair torn ligaments in his ankle, per Bears head coach Matt Eberflus.
His connection with Fields has been hit-or-miss this season. Still, Mooney was easily the Bears’ most consistent pass catcher. The loss of Mooney also seemed to draw another response from Brisker.
💔💔💔
— Quanny B. (@JaquanBrisker) November 27, 2022
All of this just adds to the significance of what the Bears do next week.
Plans for Packer Week
It almost goes without saying. But Fields is likely going to play in Week 13 against the visiting (and reeling) Green Bay Packers. That is if the doctors clear him as they opted against this week. But the question now for the Bears in what is a lost season has to be whether or not he should.
Again, the answer is still likely yes. But there is at least a chance that Green Bay is going to roll into Soldier Field Next week with Jordan Love at quarterback. as Aaron Rodgers deals with injuries of his own.
A fired-up — and perhaps embarrassed after getting trounced by the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football — Packers defense versus a leaky Bears offensive line seems tenuous at best.
This will come down to Field’s ability to protect himself, execute, and the risk of further injury.
But they do have the bye week in Week 14. And Fields was already dealing with various bumps and bruises before suffering what he suffered his separated shoulder with torn ligaments. As everyone was reminded throughout last week, former Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky missed two weeks with a similar injury. Perhaps that will be instructive in how this front office handles Fields.
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