With a slew of updates today regarding the multiple Bears’ players and coordinators on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, there was some good news amongst the bad. Matt Nagy announced that right tackle Germain Ifedi returned to practice this week. Ifedi spent most of this season on IR but finally seems to be healthy enough to return. This is a positive development for a player who had his sights set on greatness this year but unfortunately fell well short of his goals.
#Bears are opening up the 3-week practice window for RT Germain Ifedi and CB Duke Shelley. Frankly, they probably need both this week.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) December 16, 2021
Duke Shelley, who’s also been out with injury since the Week 11 loss to Baltimore, is now eligible to practice as well. The Bears have more players returning from absences at a critical time for them considering the illnesses spreading throughout Halas Hall.
Jason Peters has a high ankle sprain. Matt Nagy doesn't think he'll go on IR.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) December 16, 2021
The Bears also announced that Jason Peters is dealing with a high ankle sprain. If he is unavailable to play against the Vikings on Monday Night Football, Teven Jenkins will get his first official start in the NFL. Matt Nagy doesn’t think Peters will head to IR, which is a good sign, but it opens the door for Jenkins to get some quality practice reps before the season ends.
Teven Jenkins will stay at left tackle, Matt Nagy says.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) December 16, 2021
Lastly, Matt Nagy announced that Teven Jenkins will remain at the left tackle position. This was a point of focus that Nagy and Ryan Pace made since drafting Jenkins in the second round. Jenkins spent some time playing left tackle in college, albeit the majority on the other side of the line, and worked his snaps against the Packers on the left side.
The Bears have very little time left to get composed before the Monday night game against the Vikings. They are down several players, though they have gotten a few back, and their coordinators are all questionable to available.
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