Bears Gear Up for Game-Changing Decisions in Star Duo Showdown vs. Titans

Bears Gear Up for Game-Changing Decisions in Star Duo Showdown vs. Titans

The Chicago Bears are optimistic about having their two Pro Bowlers, Keenan Allen and Montez Sweat, ready for their Week 1 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Both players, listed as “questionable” due to injuries (Allen with a heel issue and Sweat with a toe injury), have shown promising signs ahead of Sunday’s season opener. Head coach Matt Eberflus reassured reporters that the “outlook looks great” for the duo.

Allen and Sweat were limited in practice earlier in the week but returned as full participants in Friday’s session, signaling their potential availability for the game. Their presence will be crucial as they are expected to play key roles in Chicago’s season.

However, the Bears will be without defensive tackle Zacch Pickens (groin), and defensive ends DeMarcus Walker (groin) and Darrell Taylor (foot) remain questionable. On a positive note, rookie offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie, center Ryan Bates, and running back Roschon Johnson were cleared from the injury report.

The Bears and Titans will kick off on Sunday, September 8, at 1 p.m. ET.

Matt Eberflus Downplays Concern With Keenan Allen

Allen’s inclusion on the injury report has sparked some unnecessary speculation about his health ahead of Week 1. Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon voiced concerns about Allen’s condition in his “32 Thoughts Ahead of NFL Week 1” article, while Sports Illustrated’s Gene Chamberlain added to the speculation.

However, the Bears have shown little to no outward concern regarding Allen’s availability for Sunday’s home opener against the Titans.

Allen missed a few practices around the 53-man roster cut due to what GM Ryan Poles called a “cleat issue” that caused foot discomfort. Although he returned to practice on September 2, he remained limited by a heel injury until being upgraded to a full participant in the final session.

While fans might be worried with limited details available, head coach Matt Eberflus cleared up any confusion following Friday’s practice. Initially, Eberflus believed Allen was no longer listed on the injury report after seeing him practice fully, and later clarified that the injury is not something they’ll need to “manage” long-term.

“The training staff isn’t saying that,” Eberflus stated on Friday. “It’s just something that happened, and he’s healing and getting ready for the game.”

Will Bears Have Enough Pass-Rushing Depth vs. Titans?

The Bears are hoping for positive injury updates as they approach Sunday’s game, but their defensive line could be in trouble if their top pass rushers aren’t cleared to play. Three of their key edge defenders—Montez Sweat, DeMarcus Walker, and Darrell Taylor—are on the injury report. Taylor was acquired just before the roster cut deadline on August 27. If even one of them is sidelined, the Bears will have to rely more heavily on rookie Austin Booker and their reserve ends against the Titans.

While Booker impressed during the 2024 preseason, the Bears have tempered expectations, emphasizing that he still needs development before becoming an “every-down end.” If the Bears have all their pass rushers available, they can stick to this plan, but any absence, particularly from Taylor or Walker, might force them to give Booker more responsibility earlier than anticipated.

The Bears could also turn to Dominique Robinson or Daniel Hardy for extra support, although they may prefer giving Booker on-field experience to help him grow.