LANDOVER, Md. — The 0-4 Chicago Bears will play the 2-2 Washington Commanders on Thursday night at FedEx Field in a Week 5 matchup.

Here’s what you need to know before kickoff (7:15 p.m., Fox-32, Prime Video).

[ [Don’t miss] 5 things to watch in the Chicago Bears-Washington Commanders game — plus our Week 5 predictions ]

The Bears activated left guard Teven Jenkins off injured reserve Thursday, potentially clearing the way for him to make his first start of the season.

Jenkins had been on IR since August after injuring his calf while the Bears were in Indianapolis for joint practices and a preseason game with the Colts. He had only three days of practice since being designated to return from IR.

The Bears also elevated safety A.J. Thomas from the practice squad. Safety Eddie Jackson was ruled out for the third consecutive game with a foot injury and Jaquan Brisker was questionable with a hamstring injury.

The Bears released quarterback Nathan Peterman to make room on the roster for the moves.

During a news conference Monday that was at times tense and awkward, coach Matt Eberflus said the Bears asked wide receiver Chase Claypool to stay away from the team this week — and perhaps permanently — as they prepared for tonight’s game.

After the Bears informed Claypool he would be inactive for the Week 4 game against the Broncos, he was not in attendance at Soldier Field for the Bears’ 31-28 loss. Confusion lingered about whether he opted to stay away or was told to by the team.

Now, it seems, the Bears are weighing more significant separation scenarios, hoping to either trade the fourth-year wide receiver or possibly waive him to cut their losses.

Read more here.

The Bears started Sunday’s game against the Broncos how they always want to. Straightforward concept. Crisp execution. Positive momentum. Stack the completions from there.

Two in a row for Justin Fields. Three in a row. Four.

Five in a row, six.

By the end of three quarters, Fields had misfired only once in 24 attempts — on a Hail Mary to end the first half — and had thrown for 285 yards and four touchdowns.

Yes, the Bears frittered away a 28-7 lead in a gut-wrenching 31-28 loss. And, yes, Fields’ two fourth-quarter turnovers were a huge part of that story.

But for the first time in forever, the passing offense seemed alive.

“I do think we took a step closer in finding our identity as an offense,” Fields said.

Read more here.

Tonight’s game will be the 256th in Bears tight end Marcedes Lewis’ 18-year NFL career. Jason Witten (271) and Tony Gonzalez (270) are the only tight ends with more games — and if the 39-year-old Lewis remains healthy and finds a job next season, he could surpass both.

It’s not the money at this point that drives Lewis, who reinvented himself as an elite blocker after starting his career as a pass-catching threat. He goes through a meticulous daily workout and recovery regimen to prepare his body to be ready every Sunday — or, in this case, Thursday.

“I love the game,” he said. “I’m just trying to take advantage of everything that I have mentally and physically while I have it. I don’t ever want to be at home watching ball and wishing that I could be out there.”

Read more here.

Originally Published: Oct 05, 2023 at 12:00 pm