NFL Player News

McCloud (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the 49ers.

McCloud didn't practice all week due to an illness, so it's no surprise that he'll be sidelined for Sunday's contest. The Notre Dame product has appeared in 15 games this season, recording 27 total tackles and two passes defensed. Both Jaylon Jones and Tyrique Stevenson will likely have expanded roles in Chicago's secondary while McCloud is sidelined Week 17.

Gardner-Johnson (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the 49ers.

Despite upgrading from a limited practice Thursday to a full session Friday, Gardner-Johnson is still listed as questionable for the Week 17 contest. In eight games with Chicago this season, the Florida product has tallied 40 total tackles, including 3.0 sacks, three passes defensed, with two interceptions, and one forced fumble. If he's sidelined Sunday, expect Tyrique Stevenson or Jaylon Jones to operate as the Bears' top slot corner.

Godwin (fibula) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game in Miami.

Godwin opened Week 17 prep Wednesday with a limited session due to his lingering fibula injury before being listed as a DNP for rest purposes on Thursday's estimated practice report. He then logged a full practice Friday, clearing him to suit up this weekend. Godwin has earned at least a 60 percent snap share in four straight games, a stretch in which he's tallied a 17-183-1 line on 24 targets.

Fant (ankle) has been labeled as questionable to suit up against the Cardinals on Sunday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Fant hurt his ankle against Baltimore in Week 15 and didn't play last Sunday against Miami. He was deemed limited for the first two practices of this week before logging a full session Friday. Despite the uncapped practice, Fant's status for Week 17 thus is up in the air, but he's probably more likely than not to be available.

Wright (hamstring/illness) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the 49ers.

The Oregon State product downgraded from a limited practice Thursday to a DNP on Friday, suggesting he's trending in the wrong direction ahead of the Week 17 contest. Wright has appeared in all 15 of Chicago's games this season, recording 67 total tackles, 11 passes defensed, including five interceptions, and two forced fumbles. If active Sunday, he's expected to serve as one of the Bears' top boundary cornerbacks.

Dodson (chest) practiced in full Friday but is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Dodson is listed as having logged a DNP/LP/FP practice slate leading up to Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, which seemingly bodes well for his chances of gaining clearance for Week 17. The starting middle linebacker is managing a chest injury sustained Week 16 versus Cincinnati. His availability, or lack thereof, will be made official roughly 90 minutes ahead of Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Edwards (glute) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the 49ers.

The Wisconsin product upgraded from a DNP on Thursday to a limited session Friday, suggesting he's trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's contest. Edwards is a crucial part of the Bears' linebacker corps, tallying 54 total tackles and three passes defensed over just eight games this season. If he's sidelined in Week 17, expect Amen Ogbongbemiga to operate as Chicago's top middle linebacker.

Eskridge (toe) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Eskridge did not practice in any capacity in preparation for Sunday's home contest against Tampa Bay. The kick returner and depth wideout is trending in the wrong direction for Week 17, and if Eskridge is ultimately made inactive Sunday, Cedrick Wilson and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will both be candidates to handle expanded roles on offense.

Byard (ankle) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the 49ers.

Byard opened the Bears' week of practice with consecutive limited sessions due to an ankle issue, but it now appears he'll suit up Sunday. The 32-year-old is one of the league's top ball hawks, recording 83 total tackles and seven passes defensed, including six interceptions, over 15 appearances this season. Now fully healthy, he's expected to start alongside Jaquan Brisker in the Bears' secondary in Week 17.

Jones (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

Jones' calf issue has been lingering since mid-October, but after missing Weeks 6-9 he's been able to play in each of Buffalo's past seven games. However, he may have aggravated the issue Sunday versus the Browns, as the veteran defensive lineman wasn't able to practice in any capacity this week and won't play Sunday. Jordan Phillips (ankle) has also been ruled out, so T.J. Sanders could draw a start against Philadelphia.