The Chicago Bears are chasing the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC standings as the season winds down, and the way the teams handle injuries to key contributors could play a big role in determining the final seeding.
The Rams, whom the Bears beat in a Sunday Night Football showdown on Dec. 9, currently hold a one-game advantage, but they could be in for a challenge as they face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon.
According to head coach Sean McVay, the team does anticipate that they will have running back Todd Gurley in the fold for the game, but he did miss a workout on Wednesday and McVay conceded that the team could try to keep him healthy for a playoff run if it comes to it.
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“If there’s a chance that he’s going to do something that’s going to set him back for when you get into the playoffs, different things like that, that’s where we have to make smart decisions,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “We’re trying to go win this football game and do everything we can in our power to do that, (but) not at the expense of potentially risking the availability of Todd.”
If the Bears and Rams end the regular season tied in the standings, then the Bears would get the second seed, in the NFC, which comes with a first round playoff bye.
The Bears will likely have a decision of their own to make, as safety Eddie Jackson was not on the practice field Wednesday afternoon at Halas Hall. Jackson is currently dealing with an ankle sprain, and his status for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers has yet to be determined.
