It has been rough sledding for the Chicago Bears as they’ve dropped seven straight games and are sitting at the bottom of the NFC North.
There was real optimism that the Bears would be competing for a playoff spot at this point of the 2024 NFL season after a successful offseason revamping the offense.
Chicago solved its long-term problem at quarterback when they took Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and they surrounded him with playmakers Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze and D’Andre Swift.
However, that group has performed below expectations, and the team is wrapping up another disappointing year.
Not everything has been bad, though, as the Bears have shown signs of life on both sides of the ball and have been competitive in almost every game.
Ahead of their Week 15 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, the Bears ruled out three players: offensive lineman Ryan Bates, defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr., and running back Roschon Johnson.
#Bears Saturday Injury Report pic.twitter.com/OQLfA5iB8U
— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) December 14, 2024
The most impactful absence could be Johnson, who has assumed more responsibility in the running game behind Swift.
Johnson has gotten more work, particularly near the goal line, where he’s been effective converting on short-yardage plays.
Going up against the Vikings will be no easy task as Minnesota is still in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the NFC and playing some of the best football in the league.
This could end up being another loss for Chicago, though the Bears shouldn’t be taken lightly as they’ve got the chance to impact the division race and overall playoff picture.
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