The 0-4 Chicago Bears will play the 2-2 Washington Commanders on Thursday evening at FedEx Field in a Week 5 matchup.

Here’s what you should know earlier than kickoff (7:15 p.m., Fox-32, Prime Video).

Teven Jenkins activated from IR

The Bears activated left guard Teven Jenkins off injured reserve Thursday, probably clearing the best way for him to make his first begin of the season.

Jenkins had been on IR since August after injuring his calf whereas the Bears have been in Indianapolis for joint practices and a preseason recreation with the Colts. He had solely three days of apply since being designated to return from IR.

The Bears additionally elevated security A.J. Thomas from the apply squad. Safety Eddie Jackson was dominated out for the third consecutive recreation with a foot damage and Jaquan Brisker was questionable with a hamstring damage.

The Bears launched quarterback Nathan Peterman to make room on the roster for the strikes.

The Chase Claypool saga

During a information convention Monday that was at occasions tense and awkward, coach Matt Eberflus stated the Bears requested extensive receiver Chase Claypool to avoid the workforce this week — and maybe completely — as they ready for tonight’s recreation.

After the Bears knowledgeable Claypool he can be inactive for the Week 4 recreation in opposition to the Broncos, he was not in attendance at Soldier Field for the Bears’ 31-28 loss. Confusion lingered about whether or not he opted to remain away or was advised to by the workforce.

Now, it appears, the Bears are weighing extra vital separation situations, hoping to both commerce the fourth-year extensive receiver or probably waive him to chop their losses.

Read extra right here.

Breakthrough for Bears offense?

The Bears began Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Broncos how they at all times need to. Straightforward idea. Crisp execution. Positive momentum. Stack the completions from there.

Two in a row for Justin Fields. Three in a row. Four.

Five in a row, six.

By the top of three quarters, Fields had misfired solely as soon as in 24 makes an attempt — on a Hail Mary to finish the primary half — and had thrown for 285 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Yes, the Bears frittered away a 28-7 lead in a gut-wrenching 31-28 loss. And, sure, Fields’ two fourth-quarter turnovers have been an enormous a part of that story.

But for the primary time in eternally, the passing offense appeared alive.

“I do think we took a step closer in finding our identity as an offense,” Fields stated.

Read extra right here.

‘He’s like a soccer relic’

Tonight’s recreation would be the 256th in Bears tight finish Marcedes Lewis’ 18-year NFL profession. Jason Witten (271) and Tony Gonzalez (270) are the one tight ends with extra video games — and if the 39-year-old Lewis stays wholesome and finds a job subsequent season, he may surpass each.

It’s not the cash at this level that drives Lewis, who reinvented himself as an elite blocker after beginning his profession as a pass-catching risk. He goes by way of a meticulous day by day exercise and restoration routine to arrange his physique to be prepared each Sunday — or, on this case, Thursday.

“I love the game,” he stated. “I’m just trying to take advantage of everything that I have mentally and physically while I have it. I don’t ever want to be at home watching ball and wishing that I could be out there.”

Read extra right here.

Miss something this week? Catch up earlier than kickoff.

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