Analyzing Bears' final injury report for Week 4 against Rams

The Chicago Bears (1-2) released their final injury report ahead of Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams (1-2).

Defensive tackle Zaach Pickens (groin), cornerback Terell Smith (hip) and tight end Stephen Carlson (collarbone) have all been ruled out. Meanwhile, three key starters are questionable against the Rams: receiver Keenan Allen, defensive tackle Andrew Billings and safety Kevin Byard. Allen has missed the last two games with a heel injury, but he was a full participant in practice and is on track to return to action Sunday. After not practicing Thursday, Billings (knee) and Byard (back) were limited participants on Friday.

On the Rams side, they'll be without both star receivers Cooper Kupp (who's been ruled out) and Puka Nacua (who's on injured reserve).

Here's a look at the Bears' final injury report heading into Sunday, with analysis:

Out

• DT Zacch Pickens (groin)

• CB Terell Smith (hip)

• TE Stephen Carlson (collarbone)

The Bears have ruled three players out for Sunday's game, including second-year defensive tackle Zacch Pickens, who's missed two -- now three -- games this season due to a groin injury. Cornerback Terell Smith suffered a hip injury in last Sunday's game, and after not practicing all week, he's officially been ruled out. Tight end Stephen Carlson, who was recently elevated from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, suffered a collarbone injury during Thursday's practice. Injured reserve is in play.

Questionable

• WR Keenan Allen (heel)

• DT Andrew Billings (knee)

• S Kevin Byard (back)

Chicago has three key starters who are officially questionable against the Rams. Receiver Keenan Allen, who's missed the last two games due to a heel injury, is on track to return for the first time since Week 1. That would give the Bears their full complement of receivers. Defensive tackle Andrew Billings has been dealing with a knee injury that could make him a game-time decision. According to Josh Schrock, Billings is confident he'll play Sunday and that he won't be on a snap count. Meanwhile, safety Kevin Byard has been nursing a back injury that could also make him a game-time decision. The Bears are optimistic about his status for Sunday.

Removed from injury report

• FB Khari Blasingame (hand/knee)

• OG Nate Davis (groin)

• LT Braxton Jones (knee)

• WR Rome Odunze (knee)

• DE Montez Sweat (elbow)

• DE Darrell Taylor (illness/knee)

• RT Darnell Wright (back)

The Bears had a handful of key contributors removed from the injury report after being sidelined in some capacity this week. That includes right tackle Darnell Wright, left tackle Braxton Jones and guard Nate Davis, who is now a reserve with Matt Pryor slated to get the start at right guard. Along the defensive line, Montez Sweat and Darrell Taylor are both in line to return off the edge for a pass rush that'll look to get after Matthew Stafford. Receiver Rome Odunze continues to nurse a knee sprain, but he hasn't missed any games as a result. Fullback Khari Blasingame is slated to return to the lineup after missing two games due to hand/knee injuries.

On injured reserve/PUP list

RB Travis Homer: Homer suffered a finger injury in practice and had surgery to fix it. He was placed on IR ahead of Week 3. Homer will miss at least the next four games, and he's eligible to return in Week 8 against the Commanders (after a bye in Week 7).

OL Ryan Bates: Bates was placed on injured reserve after dealing with shoulder and elbow injuries. He will have to miss at least the next four games. Bates would be eligible to return for Chicago's Week 6 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

LS Patrick Scales: Scales underwent back surgery last month to fix a disc issue, which landed him on IR to start the season. He'll miss at least the first four games of the season, and he's eligible to return in Week 5 against the Panthers. With Scales sidelined, it'll be local product Scott Daly getting the nod at long snapper.

OL Larry Borom: Borom was placed on short-term IR as the Bears submitted their 53-man roster. He's required to miss at least the first month of the season, where he can return as early as Week 5 against Carolina.

DE Jacob Martin: Martin was placed on short-term IR when Chicago assembled their 53-man roster. He's required to miss at least the first four games of the season, and he's eligible to return as early as Week 5 against the Panthers.

WR Nsimba Webster: Webster suffered a groin injury in the preseason finale against the Chiefs after an impressive first quarter of action. He was placed on IR (with no designation to return), which officially ends his 2024 season.

RB Ian Wheeler: Wheeler, the "Hard Knocks" fan favorite, suffered a torn ACL in the preseason finale against Kansas City. While the undrafted rookie be able to rehab at the facility when he's ready, his promising season is over before it even started.

WR Dante Pettis: For the second straight year, Pettis has landed on IR, and his season is over. Chicago released him with an injury settlement.

Los Angeles Rams

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Analyzing Bears' final injury report for Week 4 against Rams