Bears vs. Commanders: Analyzing Chicago's final injury report for Week 8

The Chicago Bears (4-2) released their final injury report ahead of Sunday's Week 8 game against the Washington Commanders (5-2), which included some big blows to the secondary.

The Bears have ruled out safety Jaquan Brisker and cornerback Kyler Gordon, who continue to nurse respective concussion and hamstring injuries. But the good news is Chicago is getting back a couple of key members to the secondary, including cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith. Defensive tackle Zacch Pickens also makes his return as a rotational piece along the defensive line.

On the Commanders side, quarterback Jayden Daniels is officially a game-time decision for Sunday's game as he nurses a rib injury suffered in Week 7. If Daniels can't go, it'll be Marcus Mariota making his first start this season.

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

Out

• S Jaquan Brisker (concussion)

• CB Kyler Gordon (hamstring)

The Bears will be without two core members of their defensive backfield with safety Jaquan Brisker and cornerback Kyler Gordon already being declared out for Sunday's game. Brisker remains in concussion protocol after reporting symptoms the day after Chicago's Week 5 win over the Panthers. Gordon suffered a hamstring injury during their Week 6 win over the Jaguars, and the bye week wasn't enough for either to get back to the lineup. With Brisker out, it'll be Elijah Hicks making his second start, and Josh Blackwell will get the starting nod in the slot in place of Gordon.

Questionable

• OT Larry Borom (ankle)*

• RB Travis Homer (finger)*

• DE Jacob Martin (toe)*

The Bears have three players listed as questionable for Sunday's game -- offensive tackle Larry Borom, running back Travis Homer and defensive end Jacob Martin, who are all eligible to return from injured reserve. Martin's 21-day practice window was opened back in Week 6 (then a bye week happened), so he's expected to be activated to the roster. Borom and Homer had their designation windows opened this week. Chicago released Velus Jones Jr. and Khari Blasingame, opening up two roster spots, so at least two are expected to be activated from IR this week.

Removed from injury report

• CB Tyrique Stevenson (calf)

• LS Scott Daly (knee)

• CB Terell Smith (hip)

• DT Zacch Pickens (groin)

Despite some blows to the secondary on this injury report, there was some good news with key contributors set to make their return to the lineup. That includes cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, who suffered a calf injury in practice ahead of the team's London win over the Jaguars. Meanwhile, Terell Smith makes his return to provide Chicago additional cornerback depth. After stepping in as the emergency long snapper, tight end Cole Kmet only has to focus on offense this week as Scott Daly makes his return after suffering a knee injury in that Week 6 win over Jacksonville. Defensive tackle Zacch Pickens is also back after missing most of the season with a groin injury, providing another depth piece along the interior defensive line.

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.

Washington Commanders

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

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Commanders: Analyzing final injury report for Week 8