The Chicago Bears want to be closer to full strength on the offensive line against the Detroit Lions.
Last Monday, the Bears were without starting left tackle Braxton Jones, who was added to the injury report late with a concussion. Thomas Brown, the Bears interim head coach, was asked how optimistic he was going into Sunday’s game against Detroit that Jones would be returning.
“As much as I can be, yeah,” Brown responded. “We’ll see how it goes though.” Jones will make a game-time decision. However, the Bears are keeping an eye on Jaylon Johnson, who, according to Brown, has a sickness but is expected to play on Sunday.
Left guard Teven Jenkins was listed as questionable for Sunday, too. Jenkins was limited in practice and the Bears will see how he progresses throughout the weekend.
“We’ll see how it goes the next couple of days,” Brown said. “Limited in practice, doing some reps. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow and Sunday before the game.”
Running back Travis Homer is listed as doubtful. The Bears will get Roschon Johnson back, though.
In the running back room, it’s the more the merrier for Brown.
“When it comes to the running back spot you want to have enough depth there,” Brown told ESPN. “You have different guys in the room based on their body types. Travis also offers us with some downhill running skills. Roschon has struggled with short yardage and goal line situations this season.
“It’s good to get those guys back together.” Brown will have another chance to win his first game as the Bears’ interim head coach on Sunday, especially against a Lions team that is coming off a defeat the previous weekend and is also dealing with a number of injuries.
In his first two games, Brown has been required to balance plenty of tasks as a head coach. He no longer feels like he’s “drinking from the hose,” as he said when he was announced as interim head coach.
“The first week was a different deal because it was Friday, get notified, had already planned to go home so I went home anyway for those couple of days,” Brown told me.
“I tried to have a typical experience around my wife and children, which was not completely normal. Then, on Monday, there will be a news conference to kick off the first week. I think it has definitely slowed down. Having aid from guys on staff is also beneficial. I am not a one-man show, whether as coordinator or head coach. “I’m pleased with how the process is going.”
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