Chicago Bears Defensive Line Injuries Become a Problem

Originally posted on Chicago Bears on SI
By Gene Chamberlain | Last updated Sep 6, 2024 2:47 PM ET

The Bears have ruled out backup defensive tackle Zacch Pickens for Sunday's season opener with the Tennessee Titans and he's not their only defensive line injury issue.

Pickens has been plagued since before the final preseason game with a groin injury and had been limited in practice all week.

"So he's still working through some stuff with soft tissue," coach Matt Eberflus said. "It's positive, something good, so it's just not ready for right now."

No one else is out of Sunday's game for Chicago yet, but several will be questionable including three defensive ends.

Darrell Taylor popped up on the injury report on Friday. He missed practice after injuring his foot on Thursday in practice. The Bears had just traded a sixth-round pick to Seattle to acquire Taylor at the end of preseason.

Darrell Taylor will be the speed rusher opposite of Montez Sweat the #Bears have needed.

Explosive, Fast, Motor. pic.twitter.com/NDXVquwRLu
— Sky Kruse (@KruseSports_) August 23, 2024

Taylor will be a true game-time decision.

"He got stepped on yesterday on his foot," Eberflus said. "So we'll work him out tomorrow, work him out (prior to) the game and see where he is at at that point."

Also questionable are defensive end Montez Sweat (toe), defensive end DeMarcus Walker (groin) and wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel). All three of those players were limited Wednesday and Thursday but Allen and Sweat both went through full practices on Friday. Walker was limited on Thursday and Friday.

Although Allen and Montez are questionable, coach Matt Eberflus said they are expected to play.

The Bears decided to go with extra defensive ends on the 53-man roster this year and their depth could be tested right away.

Losing Pickens probably means either Byron Cowart or newly acquired Sam Roberts will be promoted from the practice squad for the game as a backup to tackles Andrew Billings and Gervon Dexter.

Tackle Kiran Amegadjie (quad, oblique), guard Ryan Bates (shoulder) and running back Roschon Johnson (toe) all went through full practices Friday after they had missed practice time earlier in the week and they have been removed from the injury report.

For the Titans, safety Jamal Adams (hip) and linebacker Otis Reese (concussion) are out and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) is questionable. The Titans signed Adams in free agency. Both he and Reese are backups on the depth chart. Hopkins has been in practice on a limited basis all week.

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This article first appeared on Chicago Bears on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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