The Chicago Bears conducted their fifth voluntary workout on Wednesday, where media were in attendance and got to take in some of the action. That included a look at whether there was any change with attendance during voluntary OTAs.
According to NBC Sports Chicago’s Josh Schrock, there were four players who weren’t present on Wednesday: safety Eddie Jackson, wide receiver Darnell Mooney, cornerback Jaylon Johnson and guard Nate Davis. All four players weren’t present during last week’s open practice.
Wide receiver Chase Claypool, running back D’Onta Foreman, linebacker Jack Sanborn and offensive linemen Lucas Patrick and Alex Leatherwood were all present but not participating.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus addressed Claypool’s absence, where it sounds like he’s dealing with a soft tissue injury.
“Sometimes you get some soft tissue stuff and there’s no reason to risk it at this point,” Eberflus said.
Jackson and are returning from injuries suffered last season. Jackson suffered a Lisfranc injury and Mooney suffered a fractured ankle during Week 12 last season.
Johnson is one of two players (also Davis) not present who are fully healthy, as confirmed by Matt Eberflus last week, and able to participate. Johnson is entering a contract season, and he made it clear he wanted to have a contract extension in place before the start of the 2023 season.
While these are voluntary practices, Johnson’s absence continues to loom large. But if Johnson doesn’t show up for mandatory minicamp in mid-June, then it might be cause for concern.
