The Chicago Bears are still waiting for clarity on whether safety Jaquan Brisker will return to the field this season. The promising second-year player has been sidelined since suffering a concussion on October 6th in the Bears’ game against the Carolina Panthers. Brisker has missed the last eight games, and with just four weeks remaining in the regular season, his potential return is uncertain.
No Clear Return Date for Brisker
Brisker, who was a key part of Chicago’s defense in 2022 after being drafted in the second round, remains on injured reserve. The Bears had hoped that his time on IR would allow him to recover fully, but as the team returned to practice this week, Brisker was noticeably absent from the field.
When asked about Brisker’s status, interim head coach Thomas Brown didn’t offer much optimism, stating, “Taking it day by day, so I’m not sure.” While Brisker is eligible to return to practice this week, the fact that he didn’t participate in Thursday’s session casts doubt on whether he’ll be able to return in the near future.
Will the Bears Open Brisker’s Practice Window?
Brisker’s injury timeline becomes trickier considering the rules surrounding the injured reserve. Once a player is placed on IR, they must miss a minimum of four games. After that, the team can open a 21-day window where the player can practice but does not count toward the 53-man roster. However, opening this practice window is a decision the Bears have yet to make. Given Brown’s uncertain comments, it seems the team is taking a cautious approach with Brisker.
The safety has already dealt with two concussions in his first two NFL seasons, and the Bears are likely erring on the side of caution, considering the long-term risks of head injuries.
Bears’ Injury Report: Notable Absences
While Brisker’s return remains in limbo, the Bears’ injury report for Thursday’s walk-through revealed some other notable absences and limited participation.
- Did Not Participate:
- RB D’Andre Swift (groin): Swift continues to deal with a groin issue, and his availability for the upcoming games is uncertain.
- DT Gervon Dexter (knee): Dexter, another important defensive piece for the Bears, was sidelined with a knee issue.
- OL Ryan Bates (concussion): Bates, who has been a key part of the offensive line, also missed Thursday’s practice due to a concussion.
- CB Josh Blackwell (shoulder): Blackwell, who has provided depth at cornerback, was also listed as a non-participant.
- RB Roschon Johnson (concussion): Johnson, like Brisker, is recovering from a concussion and did not participate in practice.
- Limited Participation:
- S Elijah Hicks (ankle): Hicks was limited with an ankle injury, and his status for the upcoming games will need to be monitored closely.
- Full Participation:
- RB Travis Homer (head): Homer was a full participant, which is a positive sign after dealing with a head injury earlier in the week.
A Tough Decision for the Bears
As the Bears continue to navigate a difficult season, the uncertainty surrounding Brisker’s return adds another layer of complexity. The safety position has been a bit thin in his absence, and while the team has had other players step up, there’s no denying the impact Brisker could have if he returns. However, with this being his third concussion in just three seasons, the Bears will need to weigh the risk of rushing him back.
With four games left and a long offseason ahead, the decision will likely come down to Brisker’s health and how much the Bears feel he can contribute. If the team opts not to open his practice window, Brisker will likely be shut down for the rest of the season to prioritize his long-term health.
Conclusion
The next few days will be critical in determining whether Jaquan Brisker can make his return this season. The Bears will continue to monitor his recovery closely, but with the uncertainty surrounding his condition, it’s impossible to predict whether the talented safety will take the field again in 2023. As the team deals with several other injuries, including key contributors like D’Andre Swift and Gervon Dexter, Chicago will need to make the most of its available roster as they finish out the year. Ultimately, the health and safety of Brisker will be the top priority, even if it means he remains on the sideline for the rest of the season.
