A Bears secondary that relies on takeaways is preparing for a turnover-prone quarterback this week. They were short-handed Wednesday, though, practicing without three starting defensive backs.
Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (shoulder) and safety Jaquan Brisker (back) sat out after getting hurt during — but finishing — Sunday’s win against the Giants. Safety Kevin Byard got a veteran rest day in advance of playing the Vikings and quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who has thrown six interceptions in four games this season.
“You look at the turnovers and you see opportunities,” said starting cornerback Nahshon Wright. “But the way we preach it is, it doesn’t matter who the quarterback is. When the ball’s up in the air, there’s always an opportunity.”
Receivers Rome Odunze (ankle) and DJ Moore (shoulder) did not practice, either. Both have sat out Wednesday practices in previous weeks, albeit with different injuries.
Help is on the way for the Bears’ defensive backfield — eventually. The Bears still plan on cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson (groin) and Kyler Gordon (hamstring) returning from injured reserve this season, coach Ben Johnson said.
“We should be able to get them back at some point at the end of the season here,” he said. “To be determined on when the clocks start ticking.”
Linebacker T.J. Edwards sat out his fourth straight practice. He has a nagging hamstring injury and last week had surgery to fix a broken hand. The Bears believe he can play with a cast once his hamstring feels better.
Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett received veteran off day. Defensive end Dominique Robinson returned to practice after hurting his ankle on the opening kickoff in Baltimore.