WESTFIELD, Ind. (670 The Score) — Bears safety Eddie Jackson delivered a major hit on Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. late in practice Wednesday night, sending a loud roar across the sidelines at Grand Park.
But the excitement only lasted for a few moments as Jackson got up slowly. His injury status is unclear, but he's now the latest concern for the Bears’ starting defense, which has had key players sidelined all throughout this preseason.
The Bears held a joint practice against the Colts on Wednesday with linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and safety Jaquan Brisker still not participating due to undisclosed injuries. Veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Walker practiced for the first time in more than two weeks but was limited in his work and was held out of full-team drills.
The injury concerns come after the Titans marched 12 plays and 75 yards for an opening touchdown against the Bears' top defense in a preseason opener last Saturday.
Injuries have prevented the Bears’ defense from forming the identity they envision. Even defensive coordinator Alan Williams admitted it’s difficult to evaluate where his unit stands.
“I can’t answer that question now because we have guys that are starters that aren’t in there,” Williams said. “So, I’m looking forward to our guys getting healthy so we can jell. I don’t know just yet.”
Edmunds, who joined the Bears on a four-year, $72-million deal in March, hasn’t practiced in more than two weeks. He made plans upon his arrival to this defense to emerge as a key leader. Instead, Edmunds has been forced to guide his teammates from the sideline. Brisker was having a strong showing in training camp before he suffered an injury more than a week ago.
Without Jackson and Brisker, the Bears have turned to second-year players Elijah Hicks and A.J. Thomas as their tandem at safety.
Cornerback Kyler Gordon downplayed the absence of the Bears’ injured starters on defense.
“We get walk-through reps,” Gordon said. “We’re talking when we’re going to dinner. All of the above. All of the camaraderie. I feel like there’s no drop-off.”
On the Bears’ offense, receiver Chase Claypool remained out with an apparent hamstring injury. Veteran right guard Nate Davis remained limited in his work and didn't practice in full-team drills Wednesday night.
The Bears got a close-up look at how their defense measures up against the Colts, who were led by promising rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. On the next field over, Chicago quarterback Justin Fields lined up his starting offense against Indianapolis’ formidable defense.
The Bears and the Colts traded big plays and plenty of talk on their first night of work together. The two teams will square off in a joint practice once again Thursday night, then inside Lucas Oil Stadium for the second preseason game on Saturday.
The Bears were eager to see how their players match up with the Colts.
“You get a different look,” Williams said. “We get the same look since OTAs, so you kind of get used to how this guy blocks, the routes they run, the call. And now you have to be able to, hey, look out here, see what the formation is, get lined up, ready your keys, and so it’s good top see, can guys make that transition from what they’ve been doing from OTAs until now and then see a different team, different plays, that type of thing? So you really get a pretty good idea of can a guy make that transition from week to week? That’s a big deal.
“The big deal is can you win your matchup of the guy that’s across from you. It’s always good to see a different venue, to see if guys can go. Hey, it’s still practice. It’s still technique. It’s still getting lined up. It’s just a different venue. The field’s the same length. The jerseys (are) just changed. So, you just want to see can guys do that in a new look.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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