Saints and Bears Release First Injury Report of the Week: Galette, Armstead Held Out
Sep 21, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Junior Galette (93) against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Vikings 20-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The New Orleans Saints (5-8) and Chicago Bears (5-8) are both desperate for a win Monday night in the Windy City. However, for the Monsters of the Midway, playoff hopes have likely been diminished.
On the other hand, in the NFC South, the Black and Gold are holding on for life in a division that remains a toss-up for the title. With the prime-time matchup ready to kickoff four days from now, the Saints and Bears have released their first injury report of the week.
Saints:
T Terron Armstead (Neck) – Did not practice
OLB Junior Galette (Knee) – Did not practice
ILB David Hawthorne (Hip) – Limited
DE Akiem Hicks (Ankle) – Limited
Bears:
S Chris Conte (Back) – Did not practice
K Robbie Gould (Right Quad) – Did not practice
T/G Michael Ola (Back) – Did not practice
LB Darryl Sharpton (Hamstring) – Did not practice
DT Jeremiah Ratliff (Knee) – Limited
For the Saints, both Armstead and Galette were held out of practice with injuries Thursday afternoon, so we’ll be sure to monitor Drew Brees‘ blindside and the defense’s sack leader throughout the remainder of the week. We’ll also keep an eye on Hawthorne and Hicks — all hands on deck will be required to put up a fight on a cold,wintry Chicago night.
Chris Conte, the Bears starting safety, was held out today. It’s been a slow year for him after having three solid seasons, including an all-rookie stint in 2011. LG Michael Ola will also be somebody to monitor — his absence could maybe result in some heavy pressuring by the Saints’ pass rush.
Jeremiah Ratliff, formerly known as “Jay” with the Dallas Cowboys has seen his fair sure of health problems over the last several years. Once one of the top defensive tackles in the league, the veteran has certainly been slowed by nagging injuries. He has only played in eight games this season, missing the previous two.
Robbie Gould has established himself as a top kicker, but was unable to go in Week 14 versus Dallas. You never know, Monday night’s game could come down to a field goal in a potential shootout.
The season has been a disappointment for both New Orleans and Chicago. Luckily for Sean Payton and company, the entire NFC South has been a mess, so they’re still in the hunt for first place. With any more news regarding the injury report, we’ll be sure to keep you up to date, Who Dat Nation.