Bears Provide Injury Updates on Keenan Allen and Montez Sweat
Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) had limited participation in practice on September 4.
The Chicago Bears have issued their first injury report for their Week 1 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, offering some positive updates on key players Keenan Allen and Montez Sweat.
The report from September 3 indicates that while the Bears had full participation in their Wednesday practice, Allen (heel) and Sweat (toe) were limited to start the week. Sweat had previously missed time in training camp due to his toe injury, and Allen sustained his foot injury on August 24 from a cleat issue.
Additionally, several other players were limited in practice, including rookie offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie (quad), center Ryan Bates (shoulder), running back Roschon Johnson (toe), and defensive tackle Zacch Pickens (groin). The team plans to conduct two more practices before finalizing their decisions on these players’ Week 1 availability.
The Tennessee Titans also released their initial injury report, which noted that veteran safety Jamal Adams (hip) did not practice, and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) and linebacker Otis Reese (concussion) were limited.
The Bears will host the Titans at Soldier Field for their season opener on Sunday, September 8 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time.
Keenan Allen’s Status for Week 1
Allen’s participation is a major point of interest for the Bears. Despite GM Ryan Poles’ optimism that Allen “should be fine” to play, his status remains uncertain until a final decision is made later in the week. Allen himself indicated a “day-by-day” approach when questioned about his availability.
Allen, acquired in an offseason trade with the Los Angeles Chargers, is expected to play a crucial role in the Bears’ offense. His presence alongside D.J. Moore could create a formidable receiving duo. If Allen is unable to play, the Bears might rely more on rookie Rome Odunze and second-year wideout Tyler Scott.
Zacch Pickens’ Potential Availability
Although there are still questions about Pickens’ status for Week 1, it’s a positive sign that he practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday. Pickens suffered a groin injury before the Bears’ preseason finale, leading to concerns that he might start the season on injured reserve. However, the team has avoided that route, suggesting they hope he will be back within the first month.
If Pickens is not cleared or is restricted, the Bears may elevate defensive tackle Sam Roberts from the practice squad. The Bears signed Roberts with the intention of adding him to the roster for Week 1, but this decision will depend on Pickens’ final health assessment.
Jordan J. Wilson, a sports reporter for Heavy.com, covers the NFL and MLB with a focus on the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. He has extensive experience reporting on all levels of sports.