LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) – The Bears have lost an important player on their defense.
Bears nose tackle Andrew Billings will undergo surgery for a pectoral injury, coach Matt Eberflus said Wednesday, and he’s expected to miss the remainder of the season. The 29-year-old Billings has been a key figure in the Bears’ run defense since joining the team in 2023 and is often lauded by his teammates for his underappreciated work. Billings has one sack this season.
In other injury news, Bears safety Jaquan Brisker remains in the concussion protocol and is unlikely to return this week, Eberflus said. Brisker hasn't played since Oct. 6, when he suffered the concussion during a violent collision with Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble.
The Bears will practice Wednesday without left tackle Braxton Jones and right tackle Darnell Wright, who are each dealing with knee injuries. The Bears will continue to assess their health through the week.
Defensive end Montez Sweat (shin), nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon (hamstring), cornerback Terell Smith (ankle) and defensive end Darrell Taylor (undisclosed) will be limited participants in practice Wednesday.
The Bears (4-4) will host the Patriots (2-7) on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.