(670 The Score) Bears rookie cornerback Jaylon Johnson is inactive against the Saints on Sunday in the wild-card matchup.
Johnson hasn't played since suffering a right shoulder injury during a game against the Texans on Dec. 13. It's the same shoulder he had surgically repaired last offseason. Rookie Kindle Vildor is expected to start in place of Johnson for a fourth straight game.
The Bears ruled out nickel cornerback Buster Skrine (concussion) on Friday and declared linebacker Roquan Smith (elbow) and receiver Darnell Mooney (ankle) out Saturday. The team didn't list replacement starters in their respective positions. Veteran linebacker Manti Te'o was promoted from the practice squad Saturday, and Josh Woods is another option to start at linebacker. Anthony Miller will likely see an increased role at receiver.
The Bears' other inactives are offensive tackle Lachavious Simmons, defensive lineman Daniel McCullers and outside linebacker Trevis Gipson.
The Saints activated star running back Alvin Kamara (COVID-19) and receiver Michael Thomas (ankle) from their respective reserve lists Saturday. New Orleans ruled out pass rusher Trey Hendrickson (neck) on Friday.
Kickoff between the Bears (8-8) and Saints (12-4) comes at 3:40 p.m. CT Sunday 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.