Last week Chicago Bears' wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey were listed as questionable and it was speculated they wouldn't be playing against the San Francisco 49ers. They both ended up getting the start, but they remain questionable again this week against the New York Jets.
The Bears have a number of inactive players for their Monday Night Football matchup in East Rutherford, New Jersey, including starting center Roberto Garza (ankle), starting guard Matt Slauson (ankle), starting linebacker Shea McClellin (hand), starting defensive tackle Jay Ratliff (concussion) and backup cornerback Sherrick McManis (quad). They'll also likely be without backup defensive end Trevor Scott, who is listed as doubtful with a foot injury.
But for the second straight week, wide receivers Brandon Marshall (ankle) and Alshon Jeffrey (hamstring) are listed as questionable. Last week it was reported that there was a 75% chance neither of them would play, but they both got the start and Marshall scored three touchdowns in the team's 28-20 victory over the 49ers. However, Marshall did not participate in practice on Thursday or Friday and Jeffrey was limited all week. Depending on how their injuries have progressed since last Sunday night, they could be out of action against the Jets, but it won't be known until it gets closer to game time.
As for the Jets, they'll be without starting cornerback Dee Milliner, who is listed as doubtful with the same ankle injury he suffered in the preseason. Milliner did not participate in practice all week and he will be sorely missed in the depleted Jets secondary. The team already had to move safety Antonio Allen to one of the cornerback positions after the team cut Dmitri Patterson and lost Dexter McDougle to a torn ACL. Now with Milliner out, either Kyle Wilson or Darrin Walls will get the start alongside Allen, while rookie Calvin Pryor will start at safety with Dawan Landry.
The Jets also have one other big issue on the offensive side of the ball. Wide receiver Eric Decker is listed as questionable for tonight's game due to a hamstring injury and is expected to be a game-time decision. Decker has nine receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown in the Jets' first two games, and if he's out tonight, quarterback Geno Smith will be without his best target. If that's the case, either David Nelson or Greg Salas will likely get the start in Decker's place.
While the Bears hope to carry their momentum after a big fourth quarter victory in San Francisco last week, the Jets look to rebound after a heartbreaking loss in Green Bay. Tune into ESPN at 8:00 p.m. for coverage of Monday Night Football.
