The Chicago Bears announced they have place two vital players on injured reserve. Both players were injured during last Sunday’s game in Arizona, with Jones suffering a shoulder injury and Billings undergoing surgery for a pectoral muscle issue.
Jones may return in as few as four games, but Billings is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the season.
Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington spoke to the media today, expressing how significant Billings’ loss is. “Andrew is such a big, physical presence. He’s taken his game to another level this season, especially in terms of pressuring the quarterback,” Washington said, according to ESPN. “He can impact plays from sideline to sideline, so there’s no replacing Andrew—not just his talent, but his leadership and the standard he sets every day, both in meetings and on the practice field. We’ll have others step up, but a player like that is irreplaceable. He’s a true pro, and I have full confidence in the players stepping in to give us a chance to keep doing what we need to do.”
Second-year player Zacch Pickens will take over as a starter alongside his fellow 2023 draft pick, Gervon Dexter Sr.
In response to the injuries, the Bears made a move to bolster their roster, signing safety Tarvarius Moore from the practice squad. They are also expected to activate offensive lineman Ryan Bates from injured reserve to fill the other open spot.
To replace Moore on the practice squad, the Bears signed safety JT Woods, who had worked out with the team on Wednesday.
Leave a Reply