The Chicago Bears are facing increasing injury concerns as defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. has become the latest starter to appear on the injury report ahead of Week 15’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
Dexter was listed as a non-participant in Thursday’s walkthrough practice due to a knee injury sustained during the Week 14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Although the Bears only conducted a walkthrough and listed participation levels as estimations, Dexter’s status for Monday Night Football remains uncertain.
In the 38-13 loss to the 49ers, Dexter exited during the first half and briefly entered the medical tent. He later returned to the game wearing a large brace on his right knee but was limited to a season-low 13 defensive snaps, likely due to the injury.
If Dexter is unable to play against the Vikings, it would leave the Bears in a difficult position. They are already missing interior defensive starter Andrew Billings, who is on injured reserve with a potentially season-ending pectoral injury. Without Dexter, the team would need to rely on Zacch Pickens, Chris Williams, and Byron Cowart to handle most of the interior defensive snaps.
The Bears (4-9) will take on the Vikings (11-2) at 8 p.m. ET on December 16.
Bears Also Experiencing Notable Injury Issues at RB
While Gervon Dexter Sr. is a new addition to the injury report on Thursday, he’s not the only Bears player sidelined ahead of their prime-time clash with the Vikings.
Neither of Chicago’s top running backs, D’Andre Swift (groin) and Roschon Johnson (concussion), participated in Thursday’s walkthrough. Johnson remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol, which also caused him to miss the Week 14 game against the 49ers. Swift, listed on the injury report for the second straight week, is now dealing with a groin injury instead of the quad injury noted last week.
The Bears also kept offensive lineman Ryan Bates (concussion) and cornerback Josh Blackwell (shoulder) out of practice. Blackwell is a new addition to the injury report, and his absence could complicate Chicago’s special teams. He serves as the backup punt returner, and with primary return specialist DeAndre Carter on injured reserve as of December 11, the team could face challenges in the return game.
On a brighter note, safety Elijah Hicks practiced on a limited basis Thursday, marking his first on-field participation since November 15 after missing three games with an ankle injury.
Vikings’ Roster in Good Health Ahead of Bears Game
The Vikings’ injury report is looking favorable as they prepare for their Monday Night Football matchup against the Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Only one player on Minnesota’s 53-man roster, veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore, missed Thursday’s walkthrough. Gilmore, who sat out Week 14’s game against the Arizona Cardinals due to a hamstring injury, remains sidelined, casting doubt on his availability for Monday night.
The rest of the roster practiced, though the Vikings did limit three players: running back Aaron Jones (back), linebacker Patrick Jones II (knee), and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (hip).
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