The Monday night combatants have released their injury listings (kicking off a day later than the others, they didn’t file their reports until after the completion of their Saturday practices.
For the Bears …
They will be without two offensive line starters, center Roberto Garza (ankle) and guard Matt Slauson. This is a concern. This line isn’t great anyway, and with those guys out, you have to think the Jets will really dominate the line of scrimmage. New York has Muhammad Wilkerson and and Sheldon Richardson, and those guys are big and really good.
Both of Chicago’s big starting receivers are questionable, Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) and Brandon Marshall (ankle). They both should play. Based on practice time, they both appear to be healthier than last week, and they both played in that game. Jeffery was limited in practice all week, while Marshall sat out until today, putting in a limited workout.
Both of these receivers appeared to be playing hurt last week – they didn’t seem as explosive as usual, especially Jeffery. (On the plus side, they’ll be working against a Jets defense that might have the worst cornerbacks in the entire league.)
Also some notable injuries for New York …
Cornerback Dee Milliner (ankle) is doubtful. He’s their best cover guy, and he didn’t practice at all on Friday or Saturday. He’s not playing.
Their No. 1 receiver, Eric Decker, is questionable with a hamstring injury. He looks similar to Marshall and Jeffery. He didn’t practice at all on Thursday or Friday and was limited today. He’s not certain to play, and if he does it’s at less than 100 percent. Given Decker’s condition, our expectation is that Jeremy Kerley will lead New York in receiving this week.
Chris Johnson is probable with an ankle injury, which is no big deal.
That is all.
—Ian Allan