Chicago Bears just might be in better health shape than Raiders
LONDON - The Chicago Bears will be down at least two starters on offense and no less than one on defense Sunday, but don't be surprised if the Oakland Raiders are in every bit as bad of shape - and possibly even worse.
For starters, Bears defensive tackle Akiem Hicks (knee) got in his first practice of the week Friday, while offensive lineman Kyle Long (hip) went from limited Wednesday and Thursday to full go and was removed altogether from the injury report.
Bears coach Matt Nagy said he's cautiously optimistic regarding the status of Hicks, who will be a game-time decision and was close to playing last week under the same description. Also, barring any setbacks, linebacker Roquan Smith will return to the lineup after being a late scratch last week with a "personal matter."
Sure, the Bears still won't have defensive tackle Bilal Nichols, who's set to miss his fourth consecutive game with a broken hand, or wide receiver Taylor Gabriel, who didn't make the overseas flight because of a concussion, but team's health suddenly appears trending upward.
And while the Bears were managing the Smith saga all week, the Raiders were doing their own damage control following the season-long suspension of Vontaze Burfict. Despite the linebacker being a repeat offender, the Raiders were comfortable signing him this off-season and quickly making him a defensive captain and every-down starter.
So as Oakland adjusts to his abrupt absence - Burfict flew to London with the team Sunday, only to learn of the suspension and return home one day later - the Bears appear likely to welcome back Smith, who was full go on the practice field for a second consecutive day, with his presence perhaps looming larger than ever.
Why?
The Raiders just completed their third consecutive practice in London without No. 1 wide receiver Tyrell Williams, who is listed as questionable with a hip injury. Williams has scored a touchdown in each of his first four games as a Raider, or one fewer than the entire Bears offense combined.
Additionally, WR3 J.J. Nelson sat out Friday's session and was listed as questionable. If the two veterans are out or even limited Sunday, it would make quarterback Derek Carr's top receivers journeyman Ryan Grant and rookies Hunter Renfrow and Keelan Doss.
Which brings us back to Smith, the Bears' best coverage linebacker and likely key elixir against Carr's No. 1 weapon Darren Waller, the "Hard Knocks" star whose 33 receptions pace all NFL tight ends and his 320 receiving yards trail only stars Travis Kelce and Evan Engram.
Even at full strength, facing this Bears defense is daunting for any offense. And Raiders depth concerns aren't limited to the skill positions.
Top pick Clelin Ferrell, the No. 4 overall selection basically drafted to replace Khalil Mack, missed every practice this week in concussion protocol and earned a questionable tag. It's worth noting the Bears held back Gabriel, also in concussion protocol, from the trip.
So Chase Daniel likely won't see the most talented edge rusher on an Oakland defense with major issues concocting pressure (5 sacks in four games).
Oakland also listed former Pro Bowl left guard Richie Incognito (back) as questionable after he popped up on the report in limited fashion Thursday and was downgraded to out Friday. Remember, the Raiders already are missing their best guard, Gabe Jackson, who has been out since the preseason.
After watching what the Bears' front without Hicks and Smith did to Minnesota last week, coach Jon Gruden's Raiders assuredly are concerned with how they'll protect Carr on Sunday.
• Twitter: @ArthurArkush.