After weeks of training camp and preseason, the Chicago Bears are set to begin the 2024 NFL season with a home game against the Tennessee Titans.
There’s plenty of excitement surrounding the Bears, who had a dynamic offseason. They drafted standout prospects Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze and also acquired veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen in a trade. However, Allen is among six players listed on the team’s injury report ahead of Sunday’s matchup.
#Bears with a pretty clean injury report. Six players listed as limited.
WR Keenan Allen (heel)
DE Montez Sweat (toe)
DT Zacch Pickens (groin)
OL Ryan Bates (shoulder)
RB Roschon Johnson (toe)
OL Kiran Amegadjie (quad)— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) September 4, 2024
Brad Biggs of The Athletic reports that Allen is dealing with a heel injury and was limited in practice. Star defensive end Montez Sweat is also listed as limited due to a toe injury.
While it’s concerning to see both Allen and Sweat on the injury report for Week 1, Bears fans should wait for Thursday’s report before panicking. If either player is downgraded or listed as doubtful on Friday, it could spell trouble for Chicago.
The Bears are four-point favorites against the Titans according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Tennessee’s defense, now bolstered with additions like Ernest Jones and L’Jarius Sneed, will be a tough challenge. Allen’s presence would be particularly valuable, as he would likely face off against the former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback.
On the defensive side, Sweat’s impact will be crucial. After joining the Bears from the Washington Commanders last season, Sweat recorded 25 combined tackles, 14 quarterback hits, six sacks, three pass deflections, and a forced fumble in just nine games. With the Titans’ offensive line having allowed 64 sacks last year, the Bears will need Sweat to be a dominant force off the edge.
