The Bears are dealing with more than just some injuries ahead of their game against the 49ers this weekend.
Turns out, several players have fallen victim to the winter illnesses going around.
Josh Blackwell, Devin Duvernay, D’Marco Jackson and Nick McCloud all did not practice Thursday due to an unspecified illness.
In a bit of good news, Duvernay and Jackson were both spotted on the field Friday and practiced in full.
McCloud was ruled out for Sunday and Blackwell, who did not practice Friday, remained questionable. Nahshon Wright also did not practice Friday due to a hamstring injury as well as an illness and his status is questionable.
Head coach Ben Johnson said the team is taking precautions heading into the game.
“It’s this time of year,” he said. “I doubt we’re the only team dealing with it. We’re washing our hands, we’re being very diligent, guys have masks on, doing what you can. Whoever’s available here on game day, we will look to win with. If a guy can’t go, then we will be ready.”
The illnesses come on top of injuries to big players like Rome Odunze, who was ruled out once again with a foot injury. T.J. Edwards was limited in practice Friday and listed as questionable due to a glute injury.
They did get some relief as Luther Burden III practiced in full Friday after being limited earlier this week due to an ankle injury that kept him out against the Packers last weekend.
The Bears are sitting in the No. 2 seed in the NFC, one game behind the Seattle Seahawks for the top spot.
If they win one of their last two games, they are guaranteed not only a division title, but also at least the No. 2 seed in the NFC. They could also claim the NFC North division if the Packers lose Saturday.
If both teams tie, the Bears also clinch the division.
They are scheduled to take on the 49ers at 7:20 p.m. CST Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
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