Through the first quarter of the 2025 NFL season, the Chicago Bears have managed to hang in. What’s made their run even more impressive is how they’ve held their own while missing several key names. Yet, for the first time in weeks, there’s some positivity in the camp.

Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson is still out indefinitely with a groin issue, but reinforcements are on the way. Ahead of their Monday Night Football clash against the Washington Commanders, Chicago’s latest injury report brings some long-awaited good news. Only defensive tackle Grady Jarrett has been ruled out, signaling that near full health is finally within reach. That’s a massive boost for a defense that’s been forced to dig deep over the last month.

Even so, it’s not all clear skies just yet. The Bears still have a handful of names listed as questionable. Kicker Cairo Santos is managing a thigh concern, but practiced fully. Running back Travis Homer is battling a calf issue, yet he, too, was a full participant. Edge rusher Austin Booker returned from a knee scare and took every rep in practice. Tight end Colston Loveland, dealing with a hip issue, also logged full participation.

Though Chicago listed 11 players in the injury report, these are promising signs, even if the team remains cautious heading into game day. Linebacker T.J. Edwards, with a hamstring issue; cornerback Kyler Gordon, with a hamstring issue; and safety Jaquan Brisker, with a quad injury, all logged full sessions, putting the Bears’ secondary and linebacker unit in good shape heading into the matchup. On offense, linemen Jonah Jackson, with a rib injury, and Darnell Wright, with an elbow injury, also practiced fully and are expected to play, while running back Kyle Monangai continues to get valuable snaps in the backfield rotation.

The Bears are still underdogs against a well-coached Washington squad led by a dual-threat quarterback. And while the Commanders’ run game ranks first in the NFL with 156.4 rushing yards per game, the Chicago Bears’ run defense has yet to find its footing.

To make matters trickier, history isn’t on their side either. The Bears have managed just two wins after a bye since Lovie Smith’s exit. So if Chicago is going to pull this one off, and they absolutely can, it’ll take their best effort yet. And the Commanders will be without two of their top three wide receivers.

A good opportunity for the Chicago Bears

The guy who broke the Bears’ hearts in last year’s “Hail Mary” game won’t be around for the rematch under the Monday night lights. Yes, it’s Washington’s wide receiver Noah Brown, the one who caught that wild 52-yard tipped pass to seal the game. Brown’s been dealing with knee and groin issues all week, taking part in limited practices but never looking fully right. By the weekend, things hadn’t improved much.

Brown’s been officially ruled out. And Brown isn’t the only Washington wideout sidelined. Their top deep threat, Terry McLaurin, is also out with a quad injury after not practicing all week. Not only that, but wide receiver Deebo Samuel’s status is now up in the air with a heel issue. He’s listed as questionable, having missed the Thursday and Saturday sessions entirely. Friday’s report listed him as “limited,” but that was a projection, since the Commanders didn’t actually practice.

Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels also practiced fully all three days, while offensive lineman Sam Cosmi is listed as doubtful with a knee injury despite full participation throughout the week. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is questionable after missing all three practices this week with a calf injury. Overall, the Commanders face a challenging injury situation, particularly in their receiving unit, which could impact their offensive game plan this weekend.

Samuel still leads Washington in catches with 30, stepping up in McLaurin’s absence since Week 3. Funny enough, the other big-play receiver from that Hail Mary night is now in navy and orange.

 Olamide Zaccheaus suits up for Chicago now. Still, Washington might not need much through the air, anyway. They lead the league in rushing, while the Bears rank last in yards per carry allowed. So yeah, this matchup could get interesting as Week 6 continues to fill with injuries.