The Chicago Bears have suffered their first serious injury of training camp and the season. Corner-back Kelvin Hayden tore his left hamstring and is done for the season.
Hayden was re-signed to a one year deal in the off-season, as D.J. Moore left to the Carolina Panthers. He was expected to serve as Chicago’s nickel-corner. He played 472 snaps last season, recording 37 tackles with one interception.
Zackary Bowman, a veteran for the Chicago Bears, will get an opportunity to take over slot duties. It’s a blow to this defense, as they look to cause havoc for offenses by creating more turnovers this season.
Also injured, is wide-receiver Earl Bennett. Bennett was diagnosed with a concussion, so he will be week-to-week, missing Friday’s pre-season opening in Carolina against the Panthers.
It’s Bennett’s second concussion since December, another injury the Chicago Bears can not afford to have. After losing Johnny Knox and Devin Hester (only returns kicks), besides Brandon Marshall, Earl Bennett has always been a receiver Cutler loved to target.
Both Cutler and Bennett have chemistry, Bennett knows what Cutler likes when it comes to running your routes correctly and being where you are supposed to be as a receiver when the ball is released. It’s all about timing when it comes to Cutler.
Bennett should be getting a decent amount of rest in the weeks to come.