Doug Mann
2 min read • September 20, 2024
Posted in
The Chicago Bears (1-1) travel to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the Indianapolis Colts (0-2). The Bears, coming off a loss to the Texans, look to bounce back as they meet their third consecutive AFC South opponent. Meanwhile, the Colts are still seeking their first victory of the season and face increasing pressure to turn things around.
Key storylines include how Chicago's defense will handle Indianapolis' offense, and the Colts’ need to break out of their early-season slump. With both teams looking to establish themselves, this matchup is pivotal for the direction of their seasons
As always, injuries will play a critical role in shaping the outcome of this game. In this article, we’ll break down the most impactful injuries and how they might affect the game.
Rookie QB Caleb Williams is the key to the Bears' 8.5 win total projection, and his shaky debut raises concerns. In Week 1, he completed just 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards, struggling to find rhythm. However, there’s positive news ahead for Chicago. Rookie WR Rome Odunze is improving after a Week 1 MCL sprain, and veteran Keenan Allen, who missed Week 2, has a good chance to suit up for Week 3. No major defensive injuries are reported, keeping the Bears' defense at full strength for the upcoming matchup.
Keenan Allen - SIC Health Score 84
Continues to manage a heel injury and sat out Thursday's practice in preparation for Week 3.
Rome Odunze - SIC Health Score 84
Played the majority of offensive snaps in Week 2 however it only resulted in two catches for 33 yards on five targets. Logged a limited practice on Thursday ahead of Week 3 as he continues to recover from an MCL injury.
The Colts' injury concerns are stacking up. WR Josh Downs, who has missed two weeks with a high ankle sprain, has a chance to return, offering some relief on offense. Defensively, the situation is more problematic. DE Samson Ebukam is out for the season after tearing his Achilles during the offseason, and DT DeForest Buckner is on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain from Week 2. Stopping the run will be a challenge with these injuries. Additionally, CB Juju Brents suffered a season-ending knee injury, weakening an already thin secondary.
Josh Downs - SIC Health Score 77
Likely to play Week 3 against Chicago after logging a full practices this week in his recovery from a left high-ankle sprain suffered in early August
JuJu Brents - SIC Health Score 5
Placed on Injured Reserve and will miss the remainder of the season after he sustained a significant knee injury in the loss to Houston.
DeForest Buckner - SIC Health SCore 37
Entered the Week 2 game with pre-existing back injuries and was already limited, then suffered a right high ankle sprain and was placed on injured reserve.
D.J. Moore Over 60.5 Receiving Yards
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Written by Doug Mann
