The Chicago Bears will face the high-powered Commanders offense this Sunday at Northwest Stadium in Washington without two essential defensive backs. Safety Jaquan Brisker, currently in concussion protocol, and nickel back Kyler Gordon, who suffered a hamstring injury in their last game, have both been ruled out after failing to practice this week.
Brisker will miss his second consecutive game, while Gordon was injured during the Bears’ 35-16 victory over the Jaguars on October 13 in London. Elijah Hicks, who has been effective as a fill-in since joining the Bears in 2022, will start in Brisker’s place. Hicks expressed his readiness to help maintain the team’s defensive standards, having recorded five tackles and a fumble recovery in his previous game.
Josh Blackwell is expected to step in for Gordon at nickel back, having made an impactful debut with his first NFL interception against the Jaguars. The team has also seen contributions from Jaylon Jones, who led the Bears with ten tackles while filling in for an injured cornerback.
On the injury front, cornerback Terell Smith is set to return after missing the last three games, while several other players remain questionable for the upcoming match against the Commanders.