Analyzing Bears' final injury report for Week 5 against Panthers

The Chicago Bears (2-2) released their final injury report ahead of Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Carolina Panthers (1-3).

The Bears have ruled out defensive tackle Zacch Pickens (groin) and cornerback Terell Smith (hip) for Sunday's game. Meanwhile, it's looking more reassuring for left guard Teven Jenkins (ribs) and receiver DeAndre Carter (ribs), who are questionable. Tight end Cole Kmet (knee), defensive end Montez Sweat (ankle) and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter (hip) were all full participants and removed from the injury report.

On the Panthers side, they'll be without linebackers Josey Jewell (hamstring/groin) and Shaq Thompson (Achilles) and center Andre Ray (concussion). They also have six players questionable: outside linebacker Charles Harris (shoulder), offensive lineman Robert Hunt (hip), defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (foot), tight end Ian Thomas (calf), cornerback Dane Jackson (hamstring) and wide receiver Jalen Coker (foot).

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

Out

• DT Zacch Pickens (groin)

• CB Terell Smith (hip)

The Bears have ruled two players out for Sunday's game, including second-year defensive tackle Zacch Pickens, who's now missing four games this season due to a groin injury. Cornerback Terell Smith, who suffered a hip injury in Week 3 against the Colts, is missing his second straight game. With Pickens sidelined, it'll be Chris Williams -- and likely Byron Cowart elevated from the practice squad -- rotating at defensive tackle. Meanwhile, Jaylon Jones will serve as cornerback depth for Smith behind starters Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson.

Questionable

• OL Teven Jenkins (ribs)

• WR DeAndre Carter (ribs)

The Bears have dubbed Jenkins and Carter questionable for Sunday's game. Both suffered ribs injuries in last Sunday's win over the Rams. But coach Matt Eberflus said Jenkins and Carter are progressing in the right direction. According to Eberflus, it's a pain tolerance thing for Jenkins and Carter that will ultimately determine whether they suit up. If Jenkins can't go, it'll be Matt Pryor filling in at left guard with Nate Davis at right guard. If Carter isn't ready, there's a possibility Velus Jones Jr., who's been a healthy scratch since Week 2, gets another look returning kicks.

Removed from injury report

• TE Cole Kmet (knee)

• DE Montez Sweat (ankle)

• DT Gervon Dexter (hip)

Kmet, Sweat and Dexter popped up on the injury report as they dealt with injuries that kept them limited, at times, in practice this week. But they're all good to go against the Panthers as they've been removed from the injury report.

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.

TE Stephen Carlson: Carlson suffered a collarbone injury in practice ahead of Week 4, which landed him on IR. He'll have to miss at least the next four games, which makes him eligible for a Week 9 return when Chicago battles the Cardinals.

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.

Carolina Panthers

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

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Analyzing Bears' final injury report for Week 5 against Panthers