Eagles' latest injury could completely change Bears' biggest mismatch

Now his availability for Chicago is uncertain.

Bears desperately need some good news at cornerback

The timing is notable because Chicago may be without Tyrique Stevenson. Ben Johnson described Stevenson as week-to-week after the cornerback injured his hamstring against Minnesota.

Kyler Gordon remains on PUP and isn't practicing. And no one knows when that will change.

That leaves the Bears relying heavily on Jaylon Johnson, rookie Malik Muhammad, and the rest of their secondary against Jalen Hurts.

Earlier in the week, that looked like one of Chicago's clearest matchup disadvantages. Smith's injury potentially changes the equation.

Eagles offense is suddenly beat up

Smith isn't Philadelphia's only offensive concern. Dallas Goedert didn't practice Thursday because of the MCL injury that will keep him out. Running backs Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley also didn't practice.

Saquon Barkley was limited by the stinger he suffered against Tennessee.

Smith's Friday status becomes one of the week's biggest developments

There's no indication yet that Smith won't play. A Thursday DNP before a Monday game leaves plenty of time to recover.

But hamstring injuries deserve attention, particularly for receivers whose ability to accelerate and separate relies heavily on that muscle.

If Smith returns to practice, Philadelphia can breathe easier. If he doesn't? A Bears secondary that appeared headed toward an extremely difficult Monday night may suddenly be dealing with a considerably different Eagles receiving corps.