Injury During Preseason Clash
CHICAGO — Chicago Bears linebacker Nephi Sewell was carted off the field during the second quarter of the team's preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium, with an apparent right leg injury. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Sewell was surrounded by teammates as the cart drove him away, a moment that Bengals TV play-by-play announcer Mike Watts described as a "scary moment," adding, "Hopefully there's good news to come there."
Sewell, who has played in 30 games over the past four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, is the brother of Bears teammate Noah Sewell and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Penei Sewell. His injury came amid a week that included joint practices between the two teams, where a Dexter Lawrence interception of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was a highlight, and Williams expressed admiration for Lawrence and the Bengals' revamped defense.
Bears Report Limited Injury Concerns
Sports Illustrated offered a broader view of the team's health outlook, noting that while the Bears' loss to the Bengals was "disappointing," the team avoided injuries to key players. The Bears had decided to play many of their starters, and none came down with an issue during the contest.
The injured Sewell, however, was the one exception. Head coach Ben Johnson said:
"We had one individual that didn't finish the game and that was Nephi (Sewell) with a knee, so we'll get more information when we get back there to Halas Hall."
The severity of the injury is not yet known, though Sports Illustrated noted it "does not look good initially" given that the cart was required. Sewell was considered on the roster bubble and was not likely to make the 53-man roster, but he did have a chance to make the practice squad, according to the same report.
Encouraging Signs for Other Injured Bears
Separately, Sports Illustrated reported encouraging news for offensive lineman Luke Newman and cornerback Jaylon Jones, both of whom were still sidelined but were seen doing early work on the field at Paycor Stadium prior to kickoff, indicating progress in their recoveries. The report cited Chicago Tribune's Brad Bigg, who wrote: "Bears G/C Luke Newman (foot) and CB Jaylon Jones (ankle) both got very early work in on the field at Paycor Stadium with athletic trainers. Signs that they're moving toward a return to availability."
Jones's status is considered particularly important for the Bears secondary, which has been `` hit by injuries'' including starting slot cornerback Kyler Gordon's availability uncertain. Jones was primed to step in if Gordon remains out, having taken the majority of first-team slot cornerback snaps when Cam Lewis moved to safety. Rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad has played well during Jones's absence, though it remains to be seen if he will be ready for contested snaps in Week 1.
The injury to Sewell, who was not considered a starter, underscores the physical toll of the preseason. The Bengals' broadcast team emphasized the gravity with the "scary moment" call, but the Bears' coaching staff appeared measured in their concern, saying more medical information would come once the team returns from the trip.
With the regular season on the horizon, the Bears will hope for good news on both fronts: that Sewell's knee injury is not serious and that Newman and Jones can make the progress they have been showing. The preseason final week offers a final opportunity for those players to prove their availability before the regular season begins.