Chicago Bears rule out key defensive enforcer against Panthers

The Chicago Bears are set to kick off their season in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, and one key defensive player will not play on Sunday.

The Bears had a few key names to watch on the injury report this week. Wide receiver Rome Odunze was limited all week with a calf injury was listed as questionable to play Carolina. Left tackle Ozzy Trapilo was listed as questionable to play after being limited in practice Friday as he recovers from a knee injury.

Safety Xavier Woods, was added to the injury report on Thursday with a groin injury, was listed as questionable. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent was a non-participant all week and is questionable due to a back injury.

On Sunday, the Bears revealed their inactives for Week 1.

Chicago Bears lose Xavier Woods for Sunday

Woods, Bagent, Miller Moss, Trapilo, Jamree Kromah, Jordan McFadden, and Jayden Loving were listed as inactive. The good news here is that Bagent will serve as Chicago’s emergency option as quarterback, though it was a waste to elevate Moss from the practice squad on Saturday.

The bad news is that Woods will not play the Panthers. The Bears signed Woods as a reinforcement for the secondary when Coby Bryant suffered a knee injury that will keep him out for a few months. The Bears will start rookie safety Dillon Thieneman, and it remains to be seen if Chicago will start Skyler Thomas or Elijah Hicks alongside the newcomer from Oregon.

Another piece of good news is that Odunze is good to go on Sunday. The third-year receiver told reporters on Friday that he didn’t believe was really questionable to play, and would be on the field when the Bears play the Panthers.

The Bears will need the offense to carry them to a win in Week 1. Amid questions about the front seven and injuries in the secondary, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has a chance to get off to a hot start and prove he deserves a long term contract with the team that sent Chicago a fortune for the No. 1 pick in 2023.

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