Quarterback. Running back. Cornerback. And now kicker.
The Chicago Bears' Week 3 injury report had another surprise Thursday when Cairo Santos was listed as a nonparticipant with a right hip injury.
Again, Chicago didn't practice Thursday, so the designation was estimated.
But Santos' presence on the report matters for one simple reason: The Bears don't currently have another kicker waiting on the practice squad.
Cairo Santos injury is particularly important in this matchup
Nobody expects (or hopes) a kicker injury to become one of the bigger stories of a game week. But this is the wrong week for Chicago to deal with one.
Caleb Williams isn't expected to play with his hamstring injury and Tyson Bagent is still dealing with a concussion. That leaves Case Keenum the likely QB1 against the vaunted Eagles defensive line.
As a result, the Bears offense can't be expected to score points in bunches. Translation? Every point matters, and that makes Santos really important.
Look at what just happened in Week 2. The Bears scored three points against Minnesota last Sunday. Santos made a 50-yard field goal but later had a 23-yard attempt blocked with Chicago trailing 6-3.
The block wasn't simply a missed kick — protection broke down — but it reinforced how much special teams can swing a close game.
Bears don't have an obvious replacement
Chicago entered the season without carrying a second kicker. And that's normal. But it also means the Bears may need to make a move if Santos' hip prevents him from practicing Friday or Saturday.
There are several ways teams handle these situations. They can work out free-agent kickers. They can sign one directly to the practice squad. Or they can just wait for additional medical information if they believe the starter will be available.
Friday should tell us considerably more.
Ben Johnson can't afford another frustrating variable
This week already contains more uncertainty than a coaching staff would want. Johnson doesn't know whether Bagent will clear concussion protocol. Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is week-to-week. Running back Kyle Monangai's status is unclear. And, most damaging, Caleb Williams isn't expected to play.
The Bears don't need to add fourth-down uncertainty to that list.
Santos has spent years providing stability at a position where Chicago knows exactly how disruptive instability can become.
If his hip issue is minor, this story disappears quickly. If he doesn't practice again?
Chicago may have to add another name to an already unusually busy Week 3 roster puzzle.
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