Cubs News: Eberflus updates injuries, talks offensive line changes |
CHICAGO - Head coach Matt Eberflus provided numerous injury updates on Wednesday ahead of Chicago’s next game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sun. Sept. 29 (Noon/FOX). Four players did not participate in practice - right tackle Darnell Wright, who is “day-to-day” with a hip injury, defensive back Terell Smith with a hip injury, defensive lineman Zacch Pickens, with a groin injury, and defensive lineman Darrell Taylor with an illness.
Perhaps the most note-worthy thing about the players who did not practice on Wednesday is that wide receiver Keenan Allen is not among them. Allen was able to practice but was limited. He was one of six players who were limited. The other five were defensive lineman Andrew Billings (knee), running back Khari Blasingame (hand/knee), offensive linemen Nate Davis (groin) and Braxton Jones (knee), and edge rusher Montez Sweat (elbow). “(Keenan worked) through some drills, doing some different things out there,” Eberflus said. “(He worked) over the weekend and all that stuff with the rehab group. So, that’s looking good as we go, so we’ll see where it progresses as we go.” Davis did not play this past Sunday with Matt Pryor stepping in at right guard. Overall, Eberflus liked his performance against the Indianapolis Colts. According to Pro Football Focus, he did allow a sack in that game. However, he will continue to be a starter on the offensive line. Given Wright's injury, Pryor may have to slide over to right tackle, but that has yet to be decided. “We thought that Pryor did a nice job … It was firm in the pocket, did a nice job blocking the pocket, did a nice job blocking at times. Had a couple plays that he (wishes) he had back. But for the most part, did a nice job there,” Eberflus said. “His attitude is great. He’s a great teammate. He works well with Darnell right next to him. I think that’s a good partnership there. That’s what we saw and then learning the offense and always being firm in the pocket. He’s a real good athlete for his size. So, I think firmness in there is good for the quarterback and also, his run blocking. He can move people on some double teams, some single blocks. I just think he did a really good job improving and learning the way we do it.” Another player in contention for that right tackle position if Wright cannot play is rookie offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie who has yet to play in an NFL game this season. He was also not able to play in the preseason as he was still recovering from surgery after a quadriceps injury he suffered at Yale. While that gave him a lot of time to study the playbook, especially as a rookie, he still needs to get the reps in. But, Eberflus said he has seen continuous improvement from him. “Kiran’s looked really good. He is one of our options (at right tackle) and he’s looked good. He’s continued to improve,” Eberflus said. “He’s a guy that’s super smart in terms of the mentals and the technique just (keeps) improving every single week and we’re working hard to get him there.” Los Angeles is coming off their first win of the season after they manage to get a last-second field goal to get the 27-24 over the San Francisco 49ers. They were able to do that without their top receivers, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua who will both be out against the Bears. Their defense is also incredibly good. After only three games, rookie outside linebacker Jared Verse already has a sack, a forced fumble and four tackles for loss. Eberflus said the players are excited to be back at home but are certainly paying attention to their defense. “This is a good football team, had a big comeback win, did what they needed to do to win the game … We know it’s a good football team and they stress you in a lot of different ways going forward there. So, excited to be back at home in front of our fans at Soldier Field. The guys are excited about that part of it,” Eberflus said. “Verse, obviously, a high pick, high energy, really good run stuffer, hard to block in the run game, high energy. So, their front stands out to me the most … They create some different looks. They’re (an) odd structured team. They’re getting under, they’re getting some odds looks and different things and pressures and operate out of the shell at certain times. But, that’s what I see overall in terms of what they bring.”
