Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings is scheduled to undergo surgery this week to repair a torn pectoral muscle he suffered in last Sunday's loss to the Cardinals.
The eighth-year pro started in each of the first eight games this season and recorded 13 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack and a forced fumble. Billings is out indefinitely and will likely be placed on injured reserve.
“That’s the brutal thing about this game,” Edwards said. “He is our man. He makes a lot of good things happen, but the group is so tight that I know there will be people who will fill that void. He will be with us every step of the way.”
In other injury news, safety Jaquan Brisker remains in the concussion protocol and is expected to miss his fourth straight game on Sunday when the Bears host the Patriots.
“Brisker is still battling his concussion,” Eberflus said. “Actually the same as last week, so it looks like he'll be out again this week.”
Start offensive tackles Braxton Jones And Darnell Wright Knee injuries forced practice out on Wednesday, but the Bears hope one or both can play against New England.
“We are optimistic in both cases,” said Eberflus. “We’ll see where it goes. I don't know at the moment. We have to see how they get through it today and tomorrow. But hopefully we get at least one of these guys.”
Tackle Kiran Amegadjie (calf) and cornerback Jaylon Jones (Shoulder) also didn't practice on Wednesday.
defense ends Montez sweat (shin) and Darrell Taylor (knee), nickel back Kyler Gordon (thigh), linebacker Noah Sewell (knee) and cornerback Terell Smith (Ankles) were limited.
Eberflus on Tuesday discussed the departure of running back Khalil Herbert, a fourth-year pro who was traded to the Bengals for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
“I spoke to him and thanked him for his commitment and hard work,” Eberflus said. “I really appreciate him. A few people from this team called me. I told them really good things about him in terms of his work ethic and his character. It's nice to see this opportunity for him. As you know, [Bears GM] Ryan [Poles] is constantly working on improving our roster and also improving our draft status, getting draft capital and all those things, and obviously he's done a good job there.”
Herbert was selected by the Bears in the sixth round of the 2021 draft and rushed for 433, 731 and 611 yards and nine total touchdowns in his first three seasons. This year, he threw for eight carries for 16 yards in the first six games and has been a healthy starter in the last two contests.
