Bears’ Key Defensive Starter is Expected to Play vs. Saints: Report
With some last-minute news before the game against the New Orleans Saints, NFL insider Ian Rapoport announced that Chicago Bears’ defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is expected to play.
Jarrett, 32, missed the team’s last two contests against the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders due to a knee injury.
Grady Jarrett Expected to Suit Up for Bears vs. Saints
GettyChicago Bears defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.
The Bears signed Jarrett this offseason to a three-year, $43.5 million contract to become a key part of the defense. However, in the three games the former Atlanta Falcon has appeared in, he’s been unimpressive.
Jarrett had just four total tackles with an overall grade of 55.7 by Pro Football Focus, which ranks 117th out of 192 qualified defensive linemen.
More than being a captain on the defense, Jarrett has to step up for the Bears’ defense, and he knows not to let this opportunity slip pass him.
“Being a part of something that is going to start here special,” Jarrett said when he signed with the Bears. “Me being somebody who wants to be in a position to compete for championships, encourage younger guys around me, and really share my experience and my hunger for greatness to others who want to achieve it. I’m in a special place in a special time, in a special moment where I’m supposed to be.”
It’s great to have Jarrett back on the field, but more than anything, he needs to deliver on his promise to put the Bears in a position to compete for a championship.
Other Injury News for the Bears
GettyD’Andre Swift #4 of the Chicago Bears carries the ball against the Washington Commanders.
Along with Jarrett, running back D’Andre Swift is also expected to play, according to Rapoport.
Swift, who appeared on the injury report Thursday with a groin injury, should not affect him in the game against the Saints, according to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin.
#Bears RB D’Andre Swift (groin) and DT Grady Jarrett (knee) are both listed as questionable and both expected to play Sunday, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 19, 2025
More injury news is that wide receiver DJ Moore, who was taken in an ambulance and stayed overnight at a hospital due to a groin injury in the game against the Commanders, is expected to play.
Those not suiting up are kicker Cairo Santos (right thigh), linebacker Noah Sewell (concussion), and defensive end Austin Booker, who many expected was going to be elevated off injured reserve (IR) after the news that the Bears released pass rusher Kanoh Kpassagnon.
With the Bears’ lack of getting to the quarterback this season (eight sacks through five games), the hope was that Booker would be back on the field vs. the Saints, but it looks like the team will have to wait another week. Instead, the Bears elevated running back Travis Homer, who was also on IR.
Raiders elevate preseason standout from practice squad ahead of Chiefs game
The Las Vegas Raiders will enter Week 7 with a golden opportunity as they travel to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. As bad as things have been this season, a win would have them heading into their bye in the midst of the postseason race with plenty of confidence due to a two-game winning streak.
The offense, however, is banged up entering the pivotal divisional matchup. They are expected to be without two stars who have missed the past two games, as Kolton Miller remains on injured reserve with a broken ankle, while Brock Bowers is listed as doubtful as he deals with a PCL injury.
The bigger surprise is that wide receivers Jakobi Meyers and Alex Bachman are both listed as questionable. The former is dealing with a knee and toe injury and did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday before being a limited participant on Friday. Meanwhile, the latter was added to the injury report on Thursday with an ankle injury and was limited in the final two practices of the week.
Raiders make a move to combat potential WR absences in Week 7
If both players are unable to go, Las Vegas' depth at wide receiver would be tested, as Tre Tucker, Dont'e Thornton Jr., Jack Bech and Justin Shorter would be the only active wide receivers. The Raiders made a precautionary move on Saturday to combat the potential lack of depth.
Las Vegas will need to embrace a next man up mentality, which is something that they did in Week 6, as Michael Mayer stepped up with All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers sidelined. The Raiders announced that Shedrick Jackson will be elevated from the practice squad.
Jackson was a popular player with the fan base entering the preseason, as he is the great-nephew of the legendary Bo Jackson. His performance earned him even more support, as he finished with 133 receiving yards and a touchdown on eight receptions, showing an ability to stretch the field.
If Meyers, who has played 92.6% of the offensive snaps, is out, that could open up opportunities for the young wideout. Bachman and Shorter have combined for just 22 offensive snaps, so there is the possibility that Jackson could be the Raiders' fourth-most-utilized wide receiver on the day.
Hopefully, both Meyers and Bachman are available, as the former is still a valuable part of the receiving corps and the latter has really shown out on special teams lately. But the Raiders will have who they have, and they'll need to devise a solid game plan either way.
Meyers being unavailable would certainly throw more fuel on the fire of his trade rumors, and Raider Nation may be concerned that they had seen him play his last game in the Silver and Black. Hopefully, he defies these notions by suiting up on Sunday.
