Jets’ Injury Concerns Ahead of Game Against Bears

While Breece Hall is certainly grabbing the headlines, the Jets are contending with a significant number of injuries as they prepare to face the Bears and try to avoid their third consecutive loss.

Key players missing this week include wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (finger), offensive lineman Dylan Parham (knee), tight end Mason Taylor (thumb), and linebacker Kiko Mauigoa (quad). This week 4 matchup will take place in Chicago on Sunday.

Mitchell’s situation is particularly tricky as he’s being evaluated on a week-to-week basis, having missed two games now after injuring his finger during practice. This leaves the Jets somewhat exposed at wide receiver behind Garrett Wilson.

The absences of both Mitchell and Taylor last week allowed rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq to make quite an impression, catching seven passes for 105 yards and a touchdown in the Jets’ loss during week 3. It’s interesting to note that the game plan leaned heavily on tight ends; the other receivers managed only two catches for 24 yards.

As for Parham, who got hurt in the last game, it seems Jordan Meredith might step up at left guard. The offensive line, after a strong performance in week 1, hasn’t quite found its rhythm over the past couple of weeks.

In a bit of good news, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has missed time since sustaining a groin injury in his Jets debut, fully participated in practice again on Friday. He’s expected to return without any injury designation.

Edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare is also dealing with a knee problem and was limited in Friday’s practice, making him questionable for Sunday’s contest.

On the Bears’ side, starting quarterback Caleb Williams has been ruled out as he continues to recover from a hamstring issue. However, head coach Ben Johnson hasn’t disclosed who will start in his place. Tyson Bagent has been the backup, and despite signing a two-year extension last year, he missed the previous game due to a concussion. In his absence, third-stringer Case Keenum shone in the Bears’ 27-7 victory over the Eagles, completing 24 passes out of 34 for 247 yards and two touchdowns.

“We’re not quite sure who will be under center, but our guys will be prepared,” said coach Aaron Glenn. “Ultimately, someone has to throw the ball and someone has to hand it off. We’ll be ready for that.”

In injury updates for the Bears, standout running back D’Andre Swift missed practice Thursday due to a knee issue but returned as a full participant on Friday, indicating he should be ready for Sunday.