Who is in, who is out, and who is questionable for the Bears’ first-week matchup against the Vikings?

Who is in, who is out, and who is questionable for the Bears’ first-week matchup against the Vikings?

 

 

As the NFL season kicks off, the Chicago Bears are preparing for a highly anticipated Week 1 clash with the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams enter the season with playoff aspirations, and roster health is already playing a significant role in shaping expectations. Injuries and lineup decisions will be closely monitored by fans, analysts, and coaching staffs alike. So, who is in, who is out, and who remains questionable for the Bears’ opening contest?

 

Who’s In: The Full Strength Core

The Bears will have the majority of their offensive core ready for action. Quarterback Justin Fields, who enters the season with immense pressure to prove himself as a franchise leader, is fully healthy. Fields has a revamped offensive line in front of him, and all eyes will be on whether he can deliver with more consistency in both the passing and rushing game.

 

Wide receiver DJ Moore, acquired last season, has emerged as a go-to target and is set to start. Alongside him, Darnell Mooney and rookie standout Tyler Scott are available, giving Fields multiple options to stretch the field. Tight end Cole Kmet is also ready, and his chemistry with Fields during the preseason has been encouraging.

 

On defense, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and pass rusher Montez Sweat are healthy, and the Bears’ front seven appears prepared to challenge Minnesota’s offensive line. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson is also active, and his ability to contain Justin Jefferson will be a storyline to follow throughout the game.

 

Who’s Out: Key Setbacks

Unfortunately for Chicago, not every player will be available. Running back Khalil Herbert, who was expected to shoulder much of the workload in the backfield, has been ruled out with an ankle injury. His absence leaves Roschon Johnson and free-agent addition D’Onta Foreman to split carries. This change could alter the Bears’ offensive approach, as the team may lean more on Fields’ legs and short passing plays rather than a balanced rushing attack.

 

On the defensive side, safety Jaquan Brisker will miss the game due to a hamstring injury sustained in practice. Brisker’s absence could create vulnerabilities in the secondary, especially with Jefferson and rookie wideout Jordan Addison on the opposite side. Defensive coordinator Alan Williams will need to adjust by relying more heavily on depth players like Elijah Hicks and leveraging zone coverage schemes to protect against explosive plays.

 

Who’s Questionable: Game-Time Decisions

The biggest uncertainties surround offensive line depth and defensive rotation players. Left guard Teven Jenkins, who has battled injuries throughout his career, is listed as questionable with a calf issue. His availability will be crucial, as the Bears cannot afford protection breakdowns against Minnesota’s pass rush.

 

Wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown is also questionable, though his role as a rotational target makes his absence less impactful compared to Jenkins. On defense, rookie defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. is dealing with a minor shoulder issue and will be a game-time decision. His presence would bolster interior line rotation against a Vikings run game led by Aaron Jones.

 

Final Outlook

The Bears enter their Week 1 matchup with cautious optimism. The offense looks mostly intact outside of Herbert, but the loss of Brisker and potential absence of Jenkins could create challenges against a strong Vikings squad. Chicago will need Justin Fields to take command and the defense to step up without key contributors if they hope to start the season on a winning note.