Two of the Bears’ best three defensive players are questionable for Sunday’s game against the Texans.
Linebacker Roquan Smith missed his third-straight practice Friday with a hip injury. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson did not practice Friday after being limited Thursday because of a quad issue.
Head coach Matt Eberflus wouldn’t say whether he expected either man to play, saying simply that the questionable status means they have a 51 percent chance or better of suiting up.
Smith played every snap in Sunday’s loss to the Packers. Johnson was added to the injury report Thursday after he was injured during practice Wednesday.
Rookie receiver Velus Jones is unlikely to make his NFL debut Sunday; he was limited in practice the last two days but ruled doubtful. He’s been dealing with a hamstring injury dating back to the middle of training camp, and has missed the first two games of his career.
Linebacker Matthew Adams (hamstring), safety Dane Cruikshank (hamstring) and tight end Ryan Griffin (Achilles’ tendon) were ruled out for Sunday’s game. Adams, who was hurt in practice Thursday, is the team’s starting strong-side linebacker but serves as Smith’s backup in nickel coverage, which they play more often than not.
“We’re looking at all combinations,” Eberflus said. “Because if you were to have two guys down, obviously in pro football that’s not good. We’re working through that right now, but we’ll have all combinations up.”
Rookie Jack Sanborn, a Wisconsin alum, figures to play instead of Smith if he can’t go. Sterling Weatherford is the Bears’ only other linebacker on the active roster, though they can call up Joe Thomas or DeMarquis Gates from the practice squad Saturday.
“I think Sanborn is ready, I really do,” Eberflus said. “He’s excited to get going. If he gets his chance to play in the games in terms of playing linebacker, I think he’s ready to do that. And he’s had a good week of practice.”
