COVID-19 Concerns Dog Bears as two more go on Reserve List

Bears defensive back Deon Bush and offensive lineman Lachavious Simmons became the fourth and fifth Bears player to go on COVID-19 list this week

USA Today

Health concerns over the Bears continued on into game day with the Tennessee Titans Sunday when offensive lineman Lachavious Simmons was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

Safety Deon Bush had gone on the list late Saturday and the Bears announced Simmons would be on it on Sunday morning.

They promoted center Aaron Neary to the 53-man roster. They had just signed him to the practice squad on Tuesday.

Simmons was just promoted from the practice squad as a result of the other COVID-19 cases and also injuries on the offensive line.

Bush didn't test positive but had contact with someone who has it, while away from the team. Bush did go with the team to Tennessee but had the contact with this person after the flight to Nashville. He has been quarantined away from the team.

Bush has been a key part of the defense when they go to six defensive backs and is a vital special teams player with 46% of those snaps played. He made his first interception this season and has four tackles on defense.

Bush becomes the fourth member of the 53-man roster to go on the list this week. Tackle Jason Spriggs had a positive test and then guard Germain Ifedi went on the list for being in close proximity to Spriggs. Then injured center Cody Whitehair went on the list. Later Ifed was released from the list and he will play against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

The Bears made the announcement of Bush being put on the list after 9:30 p.m. Saturday and the Bears play the Titans at noon.

So this has to leave in question whether they might have others who are at risk. The situation will be monitored in the morninig prior to the game.

DeAndre Houston-Carson stepped up into a more critical defensive role when Bush was out with a hamstring injury earlier this season and the Bears will rely on him more now in the dime coverage package.

Houston-Carson has been on the field for 33 defensive snaps and has an interception and two passes defensed. His interception ended the win over Carolina. 

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