LONDON — The Chicago Bears could be without two starters in their secondary on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus announced on Friday that Tyrique Stevenson is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars with a calf injury. The second-year cornerback didn’t practice on Friday and was limited in Thursday’s practice.
“Again, we’re working through it,” Eberflus said. “He was out today and we’ll see where it goes in terms of the game. We’ll see where it is tomorrow morning and go from there.”
Eberflus said Stevenson hurt his calf during a “plant-point-and-drive drill.” The Bears head coach also mentioned the team will see “how he wakes up tomorrow” and if he is able to go through a pregame warmup.
Jaquan Brisker didn’t fly to London after sustaining a concussion in the win against the Panthers last week. Elijah Hicks will start in his place.
“To me that’s always what we talk about at the beginning, you know, always a pair and spare at every position,” Eberflus said. “The coaches do a great job of getting guys ready to go at every position. If it’s nickel, outside corner, strong safety, free safety, we always have a couple of guys ready to go there because when something like this happens, you’re ready and you’re not trying to teach guys things. Technique and fundamentals, assignments and all that. They already know that, and our coaches do a really good job with that and our players do a great job staying prepared and staying ready. And the guys that get their opportunity, if that’s the case, they will be ready to go.”
Through the first five games, Stevenson made 26 total tackles, had five passes defended, and an interception, which was returned for a touchdown against the Titans in Week 1.
Starting opposite of Jaylon Johnson for a portion of Friday’s practice was defensive back Jaylon Jones. In three seasons with the Bears, Jones has played in 38 games and made 54 total tackles with one forced fumble.
“He’s played for us a bunch,” Eberflus said. “He’s one of those guys like Elijah that has been in our system. He knows it in and out and the coaches have been with those guys and the technique and the fundamentals are there. They are going to stand on solid ground relative to that, and the other guys trust them too because they have been in there and produced and played for us. So we feel good about both of those guys.”
With Stevenson in jeopardy of missing Sunday’s game, Jones could be in line to see plenty of work.
For the most part this season, opposing teams have avoided throwing towards Jaylon Johnson. The veteran cornerback has only been targeted 17 times and has registered two interceptions, two pass breakups and has allowed a 33.1 passer rating when targeted, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Jaguars had their best offensive output last week in the 37-34 victory over the Colts. In that game, the Jaguars created five explosive plays – four of them in the passing game.
On the Jaguars’ third offensive possession of the game, Trevor Lawrence connected with rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. for an 85-yard touchdown. Later in the fourth quarter, Lawrence found Christian Kirk for a 61-yard reception that helped Jacksonville end the drive with a touchdown.
To ensure the Jaguars don’t replicate those big plays this Sunday, Jones and Elijah Hicks must be on the same page with the rest of the backfield.
International trips always seem to test a team’s ability to adapt in many ways. Right now, the Bears are being tested with their secondary depth, and it will be up to the coaching staff and the entire defense to ensure the unit doesn’t become exposed on Sunday.
