The Chicago Bears will host the Tennessee Titans to open the 2024 NFL season at home following weeks of training camp and preseason play.
The Bears, who had a thrilling offseason in which they selected Rome Odunze and Caleb Williams, are full of hope. They also made a trade for the seasoned Keenan Allen. In related news, Allen, the seasoned wide receiver, was one of the six players included on the team’s injury report released on Wednesday in advance of the match on Sunday.
Brad Biggs of The Athletic reports that top defensive end Montez Sweat was also placed on the limited list due to a toe ailment, while Allen was limited due to a heel injury.
#Bears with a pretty clean injury report. Six players listed as limited.
WR Keenan Allen (heel)
DE Montez Sweat (toe)
DT Zacch Pickens (groin)
OL Ryan Bates (shoulder)
RB Roschon Johnson (toe)
OL Kiran Amegadjie (quad)— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) September 4, 2024
Although Allen and Sweat’s inclusion on the Week 1 injury list is noteworthy, Bears supporters shouldn’t worry until the injury report is made public on Thursday. Chicago may be in danger if Allen or Sweat are demoted from limited or given a questionable tag on Friday.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, the Bears are four-point home favorites over the cunning Titans team going into Sunday’s game. Ernest Jones and L’Jarius Sneed are key members of the Titans’ redesigned defensive line. Chicago would be thrilled to have Allen on the field, where the outstanding cornerback from the Kansas City Chiefs in the past would probably defend him.
Nevertheless, given what he accomplished the previous season after being acquired from the Washington Commanders, Sweat’s presence on the Bears defensive line is imperative. The former first-round choice had 25 combined tackles, 14 quarterback hits, six sacks, three pass deflections, and a forced fumble in nine games during the previous season.
You can bet that the Bears want Sweat screaming off the edge because the Titans’ offensive line wasn’t the best in the previous season, giving up 64 sacks.
Trade rumor: Elam’s expected landing location?
Cornerback Kaiir Elam is the subject of trade rumors as the Buffalo Bills prepare for the NFL season, with the Chicago Bears being mentioned as a possible destination. In a recent report, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report stated that the Bears may be interested in the former first-round choice who has had difficulty becoming a full-time starter in Buffalo.
The Bills selected Elam, 23, in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but he hasn’t lived up to the hype. Elam saw little involvement in 2023 despite having a strong rookie campaign in which he participated in 16 games, including six starts, recorded two interceptions, and had four passes defended. He only played in three games last season due to a mix of injury and being a healthy scratch, totaling just 14 tackles.
Elam has improved during the 2024 training camp, especially in adjusting to Buffalo’s zone coverage concept, which may lead to a bigger role for him this year.
With Caleb Williams at quarterback, the Bears hope to improve their defense and make an impression. Elam’s relationship with defensive coordinator Eric Washington dates back to Elam’s tenure in Buffalo, so the Bears may see this as a chance to revitalize the young cornerback. Elam’s press-man scheme experience may be a good fit in Chicago, and if the Bears choose to seek a trade, it could be advantageous.
Elam might be a cheap addition to the Bears’ secondary if the Bills decide to let him go. Chicago could gain from Elam’s possible comeback because of their cornerback shortage, which would make their defense more fearsome as they try to develop their young quarterback.
Elam is still a name to keep an eye on as the season progresses, even though a trade is far from certain. Buffalo’s season opener against the Cardinals could be Elam’s test as he goes into a make-or-break season to guarantee his NFL career.
