Tackle situation gets a boost

Left tackle Braxton Jones returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday, meaning it’s possible the Bears could avoid playing without two injured tackles against the Patriots.

Jones has a knee injury and right tackle Darnell Wright also has a knee injury, but Wright was unable to practice for the second straight day on Thursday.

The Bears had both guard Teven Jenkins (knee) and defenseman Montez Sweat (shin) both back from injuries and went through a full Thursday practice on a day when defensive tackle Andrew Billings underwent successful pectoral surgery and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. Cornerback Jaylon Jones (shoulder) also went on injured reserve.

Montez Sweat said he just received a text from Bears DT Andrew Billings saying his surgery on his torn chest went well. “He’s ready to attack rehab.”

Invoices will be moved to IR at the end of this week.

—Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) November 7, 2024

Guard Ryan Bates (shoulder) completed a second straight full practice while trying to be reinstated to the 53-man roster from injured reserve.

Slot cornerback Kyler Gordon (hamstring) had a second straight limited practice, as did backup cornerback Terell Smith (ankle) and defensive end Darrell Taylor (knee).

#Bears Thursday injury report

DL Andrew Billings (pectoral) and DB Jaylon Jones (shoulder) have been placed on reserve/injured. pic.twitter.com/924LtSGWpR

— Bear Communications (@BearsPR) November 7, 2024

Backup linebacker Noah Sewell (knee), safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion) and tackle Kiran Amegadjie (calf) all missed practice Thursday.

The Bears promoted safety Tarvarius Moore from the practice squad to the regular roster and signed former Chargers safety JT Woods to the practice squad to take his place.

Woods is a Chargers third-round draft pick, 6-foot-1 and 193 pounds, who played in 13 games with one start and made eight tackles in 2022-23.

Twitter: BearsOnSI