Chicago Bears Get Big Injury News Ahead Of Saints Game

The Chicago Bears haven’t won a game at the Superdome since the 1990s. Nobody believes they’re in line to break that streak this weekend as they prepare to visit the New Orleans Saints. Tyson Bagent is still starting at quarterback, and the offensive line is still missing key pieces. However, that second part might be getting ready to change. The team’s Friday injury report surfaced. That is the one that pretty much tells you who will or won’t play come Sunday. Bears fans got some good news in that regard.

Left tackle Braxton Jones, still working his way back from a neck injury over a month ago, practiced in full for the first time. Though declared questionable for the game, that is a strong indicator he could make his return in New Orleans.

#Bears Friday injury report: pic.twitter.com/sKcVwBLzye

— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) November 3, 2023

Braxton Jones, who is QUESTIONABLE with a neck injury, still has to be activated off of injured reserve in order to play Sunday. Those things typically happen on Saturdays if the move is going to be made.

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) November 3, 2023

The timing for this couldn’t be better. If the Bears activate Jones on Sunday, as would be standard procedure, they will have four of their original five starters on the offensive line back. He’d get to help them against a potent Saints defense led by their aggressive defensive line.

Chicago Bears still have some evaluating to do.

Jones has yet to lock down the left tackle job long-term. While he is the best option on the roster, he hasn’t played enough snaps to justify keeping the job. Remember, the Bears will hold two top-10 picks in all likelihood next April. Projections indicate it will be a strong draft class for left tackles. GM Ryan Poles is big on building through the trenches. If he gets the sense Jones isn’t making the necessary progress, it would not be shocking if he chose to pivot to somebody like Olu Fashanu or Joe Alt.

One thing is certain. The Chicago Bears have seen enough of Larry Borom. In his six starts this season replacing Jones, he’s allowed 23 pressures on the quarterback, including six hits and two sacks. Darnell Wright allowed only two more pressures despite playing two additional games. Jones allowed four pressures in his two starts before the neck injury. It looked like he was much improved from his rookie season last year. If he can bring that same form to New Orleans, maybe the Bears have a chance.