The Chicago Bears are going to be short at least two linebackers on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, as Lance Briggs (ribs) and Shea McClellin (hand) have both been ruled out for the game.
Briggs, who left Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers with the ailment, missed a significant amount of time last season with a fractured shoulder, but the team is hopeful that he won’t be on the shelf for that long with this ailment. In McClellin’s case, he’s still out after being injured during practice before the team’s Week 3 game against the New York Jets. He should be back soon, but the timetable is unclear at this point.
Safety Ahmad Dixon and center Taylor Boggs will also miss Sunday's game.
The Bears could also be short a third linebacker on Sunday if Jon Bostic is unable to play. He was listed as questionable on the injury report with a back injury, and he did not participate in practice for the Bears on Friday. Cornerback Sherrick McManis, who now has a knee and a quad injury listed on the report, is also listed as questionable, which could be a crushing blow considering that the Bears released Isaiah Frey earlier this week. Al-Louis Jean may be the next man up at the nickel corner spot if McManis can’t go, with Teddy Williams as the only other corner on the active roster.
The Bears did get a little bit of good news on the injury report, as it appears that several players who had been out with injuries will suit up. Jeremiah Ratliff, who has participated in practices all week, was listed as probable as he recovers from a concussion, and Roberto Garza, who has been sidelined since Week 2 with an ankle sprain, looks like he’ll be ready to go on the Bears’ offensive line.
The Bears also have Chris Conte and DJ Williams listed as probable going into Sunday’s game.
