Bears Face Lingering Injury Problems

The positive signs from this week's Bears injury report took on a different look Friday as key players either are questionable and others out completely for Sunday's game with the Minnesota Vikings.

Both cornerback Jaylon Johnson and slot cornerback Kyler Gordon have been removed from the injury report. Johnson is over a hamstring issue and Gordon a broken hand.

Also pulled off the injury report were tight end Cole Kmet, who had a hamstring injury but went through a full practice on Friday. Center Doug Kramer went through a full practice for the third straight day and would appear ready to come off injured reserve, along withy Gordon.

Another positive was center/guard Lucas Patrick going through a full practice as he tries to get over a concussion. He is questionable.

However, safety Eddie Jackson is questionable with a foot injury after a third straight limited practice.

Also, backup cornerback Terell Smith has been ruled out after he was unable to practice on Friday following a full practice on Thursday. Smith is listed with an ankle injury and with an illness.

Running back Khalil Herbert (ankle), running back Travis Homer (hamstring), running back Roschon Johnson (concussion) and wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (hamstring) are out.

Jackson would be missing his fourth straight game and Elijah Hicks likely would start again for him.

The loss of St. Brown could be a big issue for the Bears, too. He replaced Chase Claypool in the lineup and was expected to bring better blocking to the position. The Bears are coming off their best run production of the year and downfield blocking helped open some big plays.

Velus Jones Jr., Tyler Scott or Trent Taylor would move up a spot in the order to replace St. Brown.

For the Vikings, Kene Nwangwu (back) is questionable. Both cornerback Akayleb Evans (knee) and wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) were removed from the injury report and will play.

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