Chicago Bears defense dealt major blow vs. Buccaneers

The Chicago Bears are looking to extend their winning streak to four against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9. However, they’ll have to do so without a key piece in their secondary.

Cornerback Malik Muhammad (toe) has been ruled out for the Sunday Night Football clash, the team announced. He’s joined by Case Keenum, Kyle Monangai, Keyshaun Elliott and Jayden Loving.

Inactives for #TBvsCHI: pic.twitter.com/ZZcsCU6ueT

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 8, 2026

Muhammad missed the Bears’ Week 8 victory over the Seahawks due to his toe injury. Prior to that absence, the rookie had shown flashes of brilliance in his NFL debut. Through his first seven games in the league, Muhammad put up 21 tackles, five pass breakups and an interception.

While the Bears’ defense has performed better than expected to start the season, the secondary has struggled to limit explosive plays. Not having Muhammad in the mix will make things tougher against the Buccaneers.

Chicago Bears inactives vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chicago Bears Malik Muhammad — Sep 28, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs against Chicago Bears cornerback Malik Muhammad II (24) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

The Bears did get some good news with Tyrique Stevenson being active against Tampa Bay. He entered the matchup questionable with a thumb injury. The cornerback will now have to pick up some of the slack from Muhammad’s absence.

Monangai is working his way back from a toe injury of his own. He managed to get in a limited practice on Friday, but that was his first work since Week 4. With the bye coming in Week 10, the running back seems likely to make his return in Week 11.

Chicago’s other three innactives aren’t shocking. Keenum is QB3 on the depth chart. Loving hasn’t played a game yet in 2026 while Elliott hasn’t recorded a stat on defense. Every week is a fresh start for the Bears and either defender will get their chance. But they’ll be watching from the sideline in Week 9.

Muhammad’s injury is a massive blow for the Bears and the loss of Monangai is always felt. But Chicago is relatively healthy entering Sunday Night Football. They’ll now have a chance to further prove why they’re a real contender and enter the off week with momentum.

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