What's Happening?
The Chicago Bears have decided to exclude right tackle Darnell Wright and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett from their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Wright, who was injured during last week's game against the Dallas Cowboys, returned to play but will not be available this week. Theo Benedet, who filled in for Wright last week, may be called upon again. Rookie Ozzy Trapilo, the second-string right tackle, has been a healthy scratch in recent games. The Bears will face a tough challenge against Raiders' edge rusher Maxx Crosby. Jarrett, who has been dealing with a knee injury, will miss his first game since joining the Bears from the Atlanta Falcons. Other players, including cornerback Kyler Gordon, tight end Colston Loveland, and running back D'Andre Swift, are listed as questionable.
Why It's Important?
The absence of Wright and Jarrett could significantly impact the Bears' performance against the Raiders, particularly in handling Maxx Crosby's defensive prowess. The Bears are currently 1-2 and have a chance to reach a .500 record before their bye week. The team has experienced a challenging start to the season, with losses to the Vikings and Lions before defeating the Cowboys. The injuries and player absences could affect their ability to maintain momentum and improve their standings in the league.
What's Next?
The Bears will need to adjust their strategy to account for the absence of Wright and Jarrett. The coaching staff may rely on less experienced players like Theo Benedet and Ozzy Trapilo to step up against the Raiders. The team will also monitor the status of other injured players, such as Kyler Gordon and D'Andre Swift, to determine their availability for the game. The outcome of this game could influence the Bears' approach to the rest of the season, especially as they aim to improve their record.