Cubs News: Poles provides injury updates ahead of matchup with Jaguars |
LONDON, U.K. - General manager Ryan Poles provided injury updates on Wednesday for Chicago’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars this coming Sunday in London (8:30 a.m. / NFL Network).
Safety Jaquan Brisker self-reported concussion symptoms and did not make the trip to London, so he is out. In addition, linebacker Jacob Martin’s 21-day window has been opened, while offensive linemen Larry Borom and Ryan Bates are getting closer to that point but have not reached it yet. Running back Travis Homer is continuing to recover from his finger surgery. “Brisker, we kept back in Chicago. He had reports of (concussion) symptoms on Monday and reported that to Andre, which I give him a lot of credit for because we all know how competitive he is and that as a player from a player’s perspective, that’s difficult because you want to just have an opportunity (to) play. But, he’s in the concussion protocol,” Poles said. “Jacob Martin’s window is going to open up to practice. We’ll start there. So, we’ll have three weeks. The bye week does count as part of those three weeks. So, a roster move will have to happen by the end of that time. Larry Borom continues to get closer and closer to having his window open to start practicing, and Ryan Bates is getting healthier as we go. So, he’s looking better and better, and then Homer’s still rehabbing his finger.” The season did not start the way Poles or the rest of the Bears hoped offensively. However, after starting 1-2, Chicago has won its last two games to improve to 3-2, with a chance to get to 4-2 before going into its bye week. The offense looks better than it did, starting with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. “In terms of what I see on the football field, I see a team that is learning, adapting, growing, and improving week-by-week. I’ve been very happy with the high level of communication from player to coach, coach to player to find solutions and find ways to improve every single week, and sometimes in the league, that’s hard. A lot of times, we’re looking at the problems. But, you got to have (a) resolution-based mindset and that’s exactly what our football team has done. That’s what our players have done, and when you watch our games, I believe you can see that each and every week, which is really exciting,” Poles said. “I really like (Williams’) progress. I love the work ethic and the time that he’s put into it to create the toughness and the ability to bounce back from tough games. So, he’s right where he should be and continues to get better.” The NFL has made an intentional effort to expand globally over the past several years, although London has been the primary site of its international games. However, Chicago has not played an international game since 2019. For that game, they did not arrive in London until Friday, and it showed on the field. That is why the Bears arrived in London Tuesday morning; that way, jetlag should not be a concern. As a general manager, Poles supports the NFL’s global expansion and loves seeing the Bears’ fan base grow worldwide. “As a football team, we’re excited to be here and be a part of the international series of games that the league puts on. I think the NFL’s done a really good job expanding the game globally, and we’re happy to be a part of that,” Poles said. “Our fan base is unbelievable, and I’ve talked to our group since my travels. Bears fans are popping up all over the place, trying to tell me all their opinions and things we should and shouldn’t do. So, it’s a beautiful thing, and I can’t wait to see our fans here in the U.K.”
