The Bears will be without starters on both sides of the ball Sunday in Baltimore as nickel back Kyler Gordon (groin/calf), cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (shoulder) and tight end Cole Kmet (back) have all been ruled out.
Both Stevenson and Kmet were injured in last Sunday's win over the Saints and are still considered "day-to-day, week-to-week" by coach Ben Johnson. Gordon practiced Wednesday, was limited Thursday and did not participate Friday.
Rookie tight end Colston Loveland will likely be called upon more with Kmet out. When asked Wednesday about his comfort level in the offense through the first five games of his NFL career, Loveland was confident.
"I feel good about it, for sure," Loveland said. "Obviously, you can never know too much. So I've got to continue to keep learning. And we're throwing new stuff in all the time, so you never really know it, you know, until go through the week and prepare for it. But I feel good. Just continue to get better in my technique and knowing more football."
Loveland caught three passes for 24 yards against New Orleans and played 67% of the offensive snaps.
"I want to be the guy they can call on in any moment," Loveland added. "If my number's called, I've got to be ready to attack the opportunity and make the most of it. And I feel like I did so a couple times throughout the year. But like I said, I've got to continue to keep working, keep building that trust from the coaches and from my teammates to be put in more opportunities."
Offensive tackle Braxton Jones (knee) and running back Roschon Johnson (back) have also been ruled out for Sunday.
Four players are listed as questionable: running back D'Andre Swift (groin), kicker Cairo Santos (right thigh), defensive end Austin Booker (knee) and linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga (knee).
Swift was limited Thursday and Friday while Santos, Booker and Ogbongbemiga were full participants, with the latter two still working back from injured reserve.
Rookie Kyle Monangai may be utilized more with Swift questionable and Johnson out. Monangai was more heavily involved in the run game in the win over New Orleans, playing 45% of offensive snaps. Monangai and Swift combined for 205 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Saints.
When asked Monday about his increased usage, the rookie seventh-round pick discussed being consistent with his preparation regardless of that week's game plan.
"I try to make the most of every opportunity I'm given," Monangai said. "I never go into a game knowing how many, so you've just gotta prepare yourself for whatever may come your way, how large or how small, so that's kind of just the approach I take each week. Just however much I'm given in terms of opportunities, I gotta go make the best of each one."
