(670 The Score) The Bears have listed three key starters as questionable to play against the Saints on Sunday afternoon in their wild-card round matchup.
Linebacker Roquan Smith (elbow), cornerback Jaylon Johnson and receiver Darnell Mooney (ankle) are all questionable. The team also listed reserve linebacker Josh Woods (toe/glute) as questionable. Nickel cornerback Buster Skrine (concussion) was ruled out.
Smith and Mooney both suffered injuries and exited in the Bears' loss to the Packers last Sunday. Neither player returned to the game nor practiced during the week.
If healthy, Woods would replace Smith. If Woods and Smith are both sidelined, the Bears would likely call upon Joel Iyiegbuniwe or even veteran Manti Te'o, who's on the team's practice squad.
Smith had 98 solo tackles and 139 combined tackles in 16 games this season. Mooney hauled in 61 catches for 631 yards and four touchdowns. Johnson started in 13 games before suffering his elbow injury in a game on Dec. 13. He then missed the final three regular-season games.
The Saints' injury report didn't include star running back Alvin Kamara (COVID-19 reserve list) or receiver Michael Thomas (injured reserve) because they're on reserve lists. The Saints have hope that both can play. They'd need to activated by Saturday at 3 p.m. CT in order to play Sunday.
The Bars (8-8) and Saints (12-4) kick off Sunday at 3:40 p.m. CT from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.