This is another injury report that, if left untreated, may be disastrous for the Chicago Bears.
When the Bears play the Falcons on Sunday, Darnell Mooney will not be participating. Mooney’s concussion from last week was the reason for his exclusion from the Bears’ final injury report, which was made public on Friday. Still, a couple of other injured players are making progress.
Cole Kmet’s knee issue prevented him from practicing at all on Wednesday or Thursday, but he was able to train somewhat on Friday. Although head coach Matt Eberflus expressed optimism that Kmet will be able to play this weekend, he is currently questionable to do so.
According to Eberflus, “everything seems fairly nice there.”
Lucas Patrick, a center, injured his knee, but Eberflus was equally hopeful that Patrick would be able to play. At the Bears’ practice on Thursday, Patick managed to snap the ball during individual exercise.
On the line, the Bears received another positive news. Teven Jenkins, the starting left guard, has cleared the last phase of the concussion protocol and is eligible to play against the Falcons. He is 100% medically cleared to participate, as evidenced by his lack of a game designation.
Linebacker Noah Sewell and wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown are also without a game designation. Due to injuries, each player has missed multiple games. With Mooney out this week, St. Bown may see increased offensive playing time. Sewell mostly helps out on special teams, but he can fill in as the starting strongside linebacker when necessary.
Originally broadcast on NBC Sports Chicago, Connor Bedard of the Blackhawks said, “I watch as much as I can” about the World Juniors.
Dallas — Even though Connor Bedard will not be competing in the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, he is still involved in the competition this year. He is still pretty much glued in, in fact.
Following Friday’s early-morning skate in Dallas, Bedard and gold medallist Kevin Korchinski (of Team Canada) were glued to the TV in their locker room, watching the USA vs. Czechia final, which ended in a shootout. USA won 4-3.
Bedard stated, “I watch as much as I can.” “It seems like Canada plays every day these days. Today, I plan to watch for a little while. I am sure Kev and I discuss it frequently. Many of the guys are really interested in it. We were observing this match up close.”
After a remarkable performance, Bedard was crowned the 2023 World Juniors MVP. With 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists) in just seven games, he broke Jaromir Jagr’s record for the most points in a tournament by a player who is 18 years of age or younger and set a new mark for Canada. Bedard was seventeen.
It follows that Bedard’s continued focus on a tournament that holds great significance for both him and his nation is not surprising.
Bedard remarked, “I know a good number of guys on the team, pretty close to some of them.” It was a pretty cool experience, a lot of fun, and everyone I spoke to was really eager. It is rather remarkable to be able to put on that sweater. I can not wait to watch, visit with a few of my closest friends, and simply take in Canada. It is a really unique tournament that you never grow tired of, no matter how many times you watch it.”
Additionally, there is chirping coming from the locker room. Philipp Kurashev was the target of taunts from a few Chicago Blackhawks players during Switzerland’s 11-3 loss to the United States on Thursday.
Luke Richardson, the head coach of the Blackhawks, recalls the side wagers that were popular when he was a player.
When Richardson was playing, “there were moments when individuals like [Daniel] Alfredsson would have a wager with somebody and they would have to wear the other jersey the next day if they lost, especially in the final,” he recalled. “I believe progressing into coaching is what you want to call it.” Thus, it is enjoyable. Hockey is in full swing right now, with numerous games airing on television each day. It is also enjoyable for our players to spend some time together back home.”
Whether or whether they participated in the World Juniors, the players are passionate about it. Events such as this showcase their nation’s pride.
“It is wonderful to joke around and everyone is cheering for their country,” Bedard remarked. “It is a lot of fun, the event has a great history, and I think it is entertaining to watch regardless of your age or previous participation.”
