Cubs News: Eberflus talks injury updates, trade deadline |
CHICAGO - There continues to be a lot of injuries in Chicago.
Head coach Matt Eberflus informed the media Wednesday that quarterback Justin Fields continues to be week-to-week with his dislocated thumb and was not able to practice on Wednesday, while rookie running back Roschon Johnson has yet to clear concussion protocol. Rookie right tackle Darnell Wright is dealing with a shoulder, as well as a toe injury, and did not participate in practice Wednesday. For Wright, he was struggling in the Raiders game dealing with that shoulder injury. Eberflus thinks he could play Sunday night against the Chargers (7:20 p.m./NBC), but it will come down to how functional he is. “It’ll come down to his functionality in practice,” Eberflus said. “We’ll see where he is and if he can function well and do a good job with his strength and protecting himself and play at a high level, he’ll be in there.” Among the other players that did not participate in practice on Wednesday were safety Jaquan Brisker (illness), offensive lineman Nate Davis (ankle) and defensive back Terrell Smith (illness). Offensive lineman Dan Feeney was limited in practice with a knee injury, as well as safety Eddie Jackson with his foot injury. Offensive tackle Braxton Jones, who is currently on injured reserve (IR) with a neck injury, was able to participate in practice in a limited fashion. Getting healthy is something that has been a struggle for the team all season thus far. However, the defense is starting to get healthier, which is something that Eberflus believes is helping the defense improve over the past few weeks, particularly in the secondary with players such as cornerback Kyler Gordon returning. “I believe getting the secondary pieces back really helps us in terms of coverage variation matchups, being able to process through that as coaches and players,” Eberflus said. “We’re working through that this week.” Since Fields is doubtful for this Sunday night matchup, it appears that rookie Tyson Bagent will get another NFL start. Bagent did not throw a lot of passes downfield in the game against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, Eberflus says that is because of what the defense was leaving open for him in that game. But, if those vertical options are there against Los Angeles, Bagent could take those shots. “We’re always going to look to stretch vertically and horizontally in the passing game. That’s always something that we look at and really, you look at the defense that you’re playing,” Eberflus said. “If they give you those opportunities vertically, you’re going to take those.” This year is the first time since 2017 that the NFL trade deadline falls on Halloween. It is quite fitting given the trade deadline can be a scary time for fans, as some teams acquire new talent and others lose top players. Chicago was on both sides of the trade last season when they traded away Robert Quinn and acquired Chase Claypool (who they have now traded away). So, this prompts the question - will the Bears be active again in trades? Eberflus said that is something he and general manager Ryan Poles will discuss, but he seems open to this possibility. “Just looking, communicating,” Eberflus said. “(Poles)’ll have me look at different players and then we’ll go from there and then just see where it is if we have a viable option.” The deadline for trades is on October 31 at 3 p.m., so it gives NFL teams one more game to scout players before making any deals.
