Bears Injury Update: Braxton Jones designated for return, Roschon Johnson practices

Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus provided positive injury updates about two critical pieces on offense Wednesday.

First, left tackle Braxton Jones’ 21-day practice window has opened, as he’s been designated for return from injured reserve. Jones has been out since Week 2 with a neck injury.

Whether Jones returns for Sunday night’s game against the Chargers — or even Week 9’s tilt vs. the Saints — depends on his functionality. He has to prove to Eberflus and the coaches that he’s well-conditioned and can move at the pace the team needs from its blindside protector.

Roschon Johnson returns to practice

Rookie running back Roschon Johnson will practice for the first time since suffering a concussion in Week 5’s win over the Commanders.

#Bears Wednesday injury report: pic.twitter.com/3DoAbnBFxT

— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) October 25, 2023

Johnson has yet to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol, but it sounds like that’s a mere formality at this point. Eberflus said there’s one step left for Johnson to play Sunday night, and there’s confidence he’ll be fully cleared today.

Assuming Johnson does return to the lineup, he’ll face a new foe for carries in veteran D’Onta Foreman, who’s coming off his best game as a Bear. He ran for 89 yards and scored three touchdowns in Week 7’s win over the Raiders.

It’s wait-and-see with Eddie Jackson

Bears safety Eddie Jackson didn’t play against the Raiders after re-aggravating his foot injury two weeks ago, and it’s unclear whether he’ll miss Week 8’s game against the Chargers. Eberlus expressed confidence in second-year defender Elijah Hicks, but losing Jackson against Justin Herbert and the Chargers passing game will be a big blow.

We should know more about Jackon’s status over the next two days.