Cody

Whitehair

Whitehair went down in the third quarter with an ankle injury, marking the third Raiders offensive lineman ankle injury on the day. Kolton Miller was ruled out, but Andrus Peat came back in. Dylan Parham entered the game for Whitehair, though Parham was already not starting due to a foot injury that kept him out the last few games.

Whitehair was the Bears’ second-round pick in 2016 and has been with them for the last eight seasons. He’s started 118 of the 124 games he’s appeared in for his career and was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2018. With experience at both guard and center, Whitehair provides the Raiders with a bit of versatility along the interior. He earned a PFF grade of 45.0 last season — the lowest mark of his career.

Jackson was a fourth-round pick of the Bears in 2017 and has started all 100 games he’s appeared in. The veteran appeared in 12 games last season due to a foot injury, totaling 37 tackles, five pass breakups, and one interception. A two-time Pro Bowler and 2018 All-Pro, Jackson will be 30 at the start of next season and has plenty to offer a team in need of help in the secondary. His release, coupled with that of guard Cody Whitehair, frees up nearly $21.5 million in cap space for the Bears.

The release of Whitehair gives him a chance to sign with another team before free agency kicks off next month. The eight-year vet has spent his entire career with the Bears, starting 118 of 124 games while earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2018. Whitehair started 11-of-17 games for the Bears this season, spending time at both guard positions and center. He had arguably the worst season of his career per PFF, earning a blocking grade of 45.0 — which fell significantly short of his previous low of 64.9 in 2019. Whitehair will be 32 next season and should still generate plenty of interest on the open market.

He’ll be in line to start on Sunday against the Dolphins, and it should be a boon for the Bears as they’d been using journeyman Michael Schofield inside. Whitehair has been out since injuring his knee in Week 4.

Cody Whitehair was placed on injured reserve in a corresponding move. Harry now has a 21-day window to be officially activated. The former Patriot suffered an ankle injury at the beginning of camp and was forced to undergo surgery, landing him on injured reserve to start the season. Harry’s return may give Justin Fields an extra target, but the Bears’ passing game struggles won’t be fixed with a first-round bust in the lineup.

Whitehair exited in the second quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Giants and did not return to the field. Eberflus didn’t put a timetable on Whitehair’s return but said that he expects him back at some point in the season. Lucas Patrick is expected to fill in at left guard during Whitehair’s absence.

Whitehair suffered his knee injury the second quarter. With the Bears’ offensive line already feeling the heat from the Giants’ front l, they’ll likely continue without their guard.

Whitehair hasn’t played since initially injuring his calf and being moved to the team’s COVID list earlier this month. Chicago also promoted Lamar Miller from the practice squad ahead of Monday Night Football. Whitehair will promptly replace backup Sam Mustipher against the Vikings.

The Bears were already in the league’s “intensive COVID-19 protocols” before Whitehair’s positive test. Friday’s testing report will prove critical as the Bears prepare to play the Titans on Sunday.