NFL Week 3 Game Preview: Bears vs Colts| Key Injuries & Free Pick

2 min read • September 20, 2024

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NFL

Bears vs Colts Game Overview

The Chicago Bears (1-1) travel to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the Indianapolis Colts (0-2). The Bears, coming off a loss to the Texans, look to bounce back as they meet their third consecutive AFC South opponent. Meanwhile, the Colts are still seeking their first victory of the season and face increasing pressure to turn things around. 

Key storylines include how Chicago's defense will handle Indianapolis' offense, and the Colts’ need to break out of their early-season slump. With both teams looking to establish themselves, this matchup is pivotal for the direction of their seasons  

As always, injuries will play a critical role in shaping the outcome of this game. In this article, we’ll break down the most impactful injuries and how they might affect the game.

Chicago Bears - SIC Health Score 92.3

Rookie QB Caleb Williams is the key to the Bears' 8.5 win total projection, and his shaky debut raises concerns. In Week 1, he completed just 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards, struggling to find rhythm. However, there’s positive news ahead for Chicago. Rookie WR Rome Odunze is improving after a Week 1 MCL sprain, and veteran Keenan Allen, who missed Week 2, has a good chance to suit up for Week 3. No major defensive injuries are reported, keeping the Bears' defense at full strength for the upcoming matchup.

Chicago Bears Key Injury Insights

Keenan Allen - SIC Health Score 84

Continues to manage a heel injury and sat out Thursday's practice in preparation for Week 3.

Rome Odunze - SIC Health Score 84

Played the majority of offensive snaps in Week 2 however it only resulted in two catches for 33 yards on five targets. Logged a limited practice on Thursday ahead of Week 3 as he continues to recover from an MCL injury.

 

Indianapolis Colts - SIC Health Score 82.7


The Colts' injury concerns are stacking up. WR Josh Downs, who has missed two weeks with a high ankle sprain, has a chance to return, offering some relief on offense. Defensively, the situation is more problematic. DE Samson Ebukam is out for the season after tearing his Achilles during the offseason, and DT DeForest Buckner is on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain from Week 2. Stopping the run will be a challenge with these injuries. Additionally, CB Juju Brents suffered a season-ending knee injury, weakening an already thin secondary.

Indianapolis Colts Key Injury Insights

Josh Downs - SIC Health Score 77

Likely to play Week 3 against Chicago after logging a full practices this week in his recovery from a left high-ankle sprain suffered in early August

JuJu Brents - SIC Health Score 5

Placed on Injured Reserve and will miss the remainder of the season after he sustained a significant knee injury in the loss to Houston.

DeForest Buckner - SIC Health SCore 37

Entered the Week 2 game with pre-existing back injuries and was already limited, then suffered a right high ankle sprain and was placed on injured reserve.

Matchup Breakdown: Position Groups Impacted by Injuries

Get the live interactive Field View and SIC Health Score ratings HERE with SIC Data or SIC Picks subscription.

FREE SIC PICK - Injury-Based Betting Recommendation

D.J. Moore Over 60.5 Receiving Yards

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