Wide receiver and return specialist DeAndre Carter, along with guard Teven Jenkins, participated in a second consecutive day of limited practice on Friday and are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Panthers at Soldier Field.
Both players were limited in practice on Thursday as well, having missed Wednesday due to rib injuries. Head coach Matt Eberflus mentioned that they are “progressing in the right direction” toward playing.
The Bears’ injury report also includes defensive tackle Zacch Pickens (groin) and cornerback Terell Smith (hip), both of whom are out. Neither played last week and they have not practiced this week.
Injuries to Gervon Dexter (hip), Montez Sweat (ankle), and Cole Kmet (knee) are no longer concerns, as all have been removed from the injury report after participating in full practices on Friday. Kmet had a full practice on Thursday as well.
Cole Kmet currently boasts the Bears’ highest receiving grade of 72.8 according to PFF, ranking 7th among tight ends. He is also 5th in receiving yards with 162 and 3rd in receptions.
For the Panthers, three players are confirmed out: linebacker Shaq Thompson, who is going on IR with a torn Achilles, and linebacker Josey Jewell (groin, hamstring) along with center Andrew Raym (concussion).
Trevin Wallace is set to start at linebacker for Carolina, with Claudin Cherelus and Chandler Wooten filling the other linebacker spot.
Several Panthers players are listed as questionable, including linebacker Charles Harris (shoulder), guard Robert Hunt (hip), defensive lineman Shy Tuttle (foot), tight end Ian Thomas (calf), cornerback Dane Jackson (hamstring), and wide receiver Jalen Coker (foot). Thomas, Tuttle, Hunt, and Jackson all participated in limited practices throughout the week.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Diontae Johnson had limited practices all week but has been cleared from the injury report and will play.