Bears vs. Commanders: Injury Report Shapes Week 6 Monday Night Showdown

When Chicago Bears travel to face the Washington Commanders under the bright lights of Monday Night Football, every roster move feels like a chess piece being set for a check‑mate. The clash is set for October 13, 2025, at 8:15 PM ET in Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, and both clubs arrive with identical 3‑2 records. The question on everyone’s mind: who will be on the field and who will stay on the sideline?

Background to the Week‑6 Showdown

Both teams entered Week 6 riding a rollercoaster of results. The Bears, who dropped a 24‑17 decision to the Green Bay Packers on October 5, are desperate to rebound before their playoff hopes dim. The Commanders, fresh off a 20‑17 win over the New York Giants on October 6, see this matchup as a chance to cement a top‑four spot in the NFC East.

Coach Matt Eberflus (Bears) and HC Ron Rivera (Commanders) have been juggling play‑calling duties while their medical staffs juggle injury lists. The stakes are high: a win could push one team to 4‑2 while the loser slides to 3‑3, a margin that often decides postseason berths.

Injury Reports and Player Status

The official injury brief released by the Bears on October 12, 2025, was compiled by Head Athletic Trainer Nate Bohn and Director of Sports Medicine Dr. Michael McAdams. Here’s a quick rundown of the key names you’ll hear on the broadcast:

• Kyler Gordon – cornerback, cleared from a shoulder injury, expected to make his first season appearance.
• TJ Edwards – linebacker, listed as active after a routine practice stretch.
• Jaquan Brisker – safety, active and ready for his third defensive snap of the season.
• Jonah Jackson – offensive guard, cleared and slated to protect the pocket.
• Kyle Monangai – running back, fully active after a week of extra‑team drills.
• Colston Loveland – tight end, questionable with a lingering hip strain.
• Cairo Santos – kicker, questionable with a thigh issue that could affect his range.
• Kaho – defensive back, cleared from a concussion but ruled inactive for the game.

On the Commanders’ side, Director of Sports Medicine Will R. Roper and Head Athletic Trainer Dana G. Kieffer listed defensive tackle Eddie Goldman as the final inactive player, even though he participated fully in the October 11 practice.

Roster Decision Dilemmas for the Bears

General Manager Ryan Poles, General Manager of the Bears faces a classic 53‑man roster puzzle. Running backs Travis Homer and rookie Austin Booker both completed practice on October 10‑12, but activating either would force the Bears to cut two other players to stay under the limit.

During a live segment on October 12, analyst Harrison Graham highlighted the trade‑off: “If the Bears want them to play Sunday, they can activate them. But again, their roster’s full right now with 53. So if they put Austin Booker or Travis Homer on the 53, that means they have to cut two players.” He also mentioned defensive tackle Grady Jarrett as a possible injured‑reserve candidate, though he added, “I don’t think they want to put him on IR.”

The decision isn’t just about numbers; it’s about depth. With the Bears’ offensive line still nursing a knee issue on guard Sam Cosmi and wide receiver Noah Brown nursing a groin/knee combo, keeping extra depth at tackle might be wiser than adding a running back who could see limited touches.

Tactical Implications on the Field

From a strategic standpoint, the Bears will likely lean on their revamped secondary. With Gordon finally cleared, Denver’s passing attack may find fewer open windows, especially given Washington’s reliance on tight end Logan Thomas and receiver Terry McLaurin for big plays.

Meanwhile, the Commanders’ defensive front will miss Eddie Goldman’s interior push. That could open a slight edge for the Bears’ run game, especially with Monangai’s quick‑cut style. However, the Commanders’ own pass rush, anchored by Chase Loudon and a healthy lineup of edge rippers, could keep the Bears’ quarterback—likely rookie Justin Fields—under constant pressure.

Special teams could swing the game, too. If Cairo Santos stays healthy, his reliable 48‑yard field goal range may become a decisive factor in a low‑scoring contest. Conversely, a hip‑limited Loveland could limit the Bears’ red‑zone options.

Looking Ahead: What This Game Means for the Rest of the Season

Win or lose, the outcome reshapes the NFC North and East narratives. A Bears victory would push them to 4‑2, a record that historically secures at least a wild‑card berth. A loss would leave them at 3‑3, forcing them into a must‑win situation come November.

For Washington, a win solidifies a 4‑2 standing and buffers against the upcoming road trip to face the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. A loss drops them to 3‑3, tying them with the Giants for the division lead and making tiebreakers critical.

Both coaching staffs will also be watching the impact of the new knee‑injury protocol introduced by Dr. Michael McAdams, a system modeled after the league‑wide approach taken after Justin Fields' 2022 injuries. How well the protocol holds up could influence how other teams handle recovery moving forward.

• Game: Monday Night FootballNorthwest Stadium
• Teams: Chicago Bears (3‑2) vs. Washington Commanders (3‑2)
• Key active Bears: Kyler Gordon (CB), TJ Edwards (LB), Jaquan Brisker (S), Jonah Jackson (OG), Kyle Monangai (RB)
• Key questionable Bears: Colston Loveland (TE – hip), Cairo Santos (K – thigh)
• Key inactive Commanders: Eddie Goldman (DT)