The Chicago Bears have lost seven in a row. Now they must go into U.S. Bank Stadium against a surging Minnesota Vikings team that has already beaten them once this season. One can’t forget the last meeting that saw them hang 30 points on the defense. Considering how the unit looked last week against San Francisco, it isn’t encouraging to think this rematch will be any better. That is especially true since confirmation arrived that the Bears will be without one of their best players for the game.
The final injury report arrived on Saturday. Three players were declared out. The most consequential by far was defensive tackle Gervon Dexter. He’s been dealing with a knee injury all week and failed to practice at any point. With him out, the Bears are now down both of their starting defensive tackles. Andrew Billings is already done for the year with a pectoral injury.
If they were ever going to upset the Vikings, their defense would need to perform at a high level. That no longer feels possible. Jaquan Brisker is still out with a concussion. Tyrique Stevenson has regressed significantly this year. Montez Sweat has played hurt for at least the past month. Billings is out. Now Dexter is out. One can’t forget Matt Eberflus, who was their play-caller, is also gone. Eric Washington is going up against Kevin O’Connell, another of the league’s best offensive minds. There isn’t much to feel hopeful about. So unless the Chicago Bears offense is ready to put up 30+ in this game, an eighth straight loss feels inevitable.
