Breaking: Bears list inactive players for SundayS showdown with Rams; DJ Moore active
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Bears list inactive players for SundayS showdown with Rams; DJ Moore active
- 2. what the inactives mean for Sunday
- 3. Key facts at a glance
- 4. Night walk‑through; recorded 15 route repetitions.
- 5. inactive List Overview
- 6. Key injuries Impacting the Bears
- 7. DJ Moore Clearance Details
- 8. Rams Opponent Analysis
- 9. Strategic implications for the Bears
- 10. Game‑Day Tips for Fans
- 11. Benefits of Monitoring the Inactive List
- 12. Practical Tips for Managing Roster Changes
- 13. Real‑World example: 2024 Season Inactive List Impact
- 14. Quick Reference: Key Takeaways
The Chicago bears have finalized their inactive list ahead of the clash with the Los Angeles Rams. While wide receiver DJ moore is active, a handful of regulars will not suit up on Sunday.
offensive lineman Braxton Jones, who had recently been activated from injured reserve after a knee injury, was listed as questionable but will not participate in the game. He is inactive for Sunday.
Defensive end joye Tryon-Shoyinka, who missed last week’s game against the Green Bay Packers due to a concussion, practiced this week and was a full participant, yet remains inactive for the Rams game.
Also among the inactive players are wide receiver Jahdae Walker, linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II and quarterback Case Keenum. All are healthy scratches for the contest.
The Bears’ only on-field absence beside Jones is defensive back Nick McCloud, who is out with a groin injury.
DJ Moore, who had been listed as questionable with a knee issue, is active and slated to play Sunday.
what the inactives mean for Sunday
Jones’s inactive status renews the challenge on the offensive line,testing Chicago’s depth up front.
Tryon-Shoyinka’s inactive status preserves his role as a rotational piece, while the absences of Walker, Hyppolite II and Keenum provide the coaching staff with flexibility to deploy different packages as the game unfolds.
With McCloud out, the Bears will rely on the rest of the secondary to fill the void, while Moore’s availability adds a top receiving option for the offense.
Key facts at a glance
| Player | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Braxton Jones | Inactive | Questionable; activated from IR |
| Joye Tryon-Shoyinka | Inactive | Healthy scratch |
| Jahdae Walker | Inactive | Healthy scratch |
| Ruben Hyppolite II | Inactive | Healthy scratch |
| Case Keenum | Inactive | Healthy scratch |
| Nick McCloud | Out | Groin injury |
| DJ Moore | Active | Questionable; active |
As kickoff approaches,Chicago will lean on moore’s presence to shape the game plan,while the Rams seek to exploit any matchup advantages. This matchup could hinge on depth and execution as both teams navigate injuries and roster decisions.
What’s your read on how thes inactives might influence Sunday’s outcome? Wich matchup are you most looking forward to watching as the game unfolds?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for live updates as kickoff nears.
Night walk‑through; recorded 15 route repetitions.
Bears Reveal Inactive List Ahead of Rams Showdown
inactive List Overview
- Date of release: January 18, 2026 (23:56 UTC)
- Official source: Chicago Bears’ team communications and NFL injury report
- Total players listed inactive: 8
| Position | Player | Reason for inactivity | Expected return |
|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Justin Fields | Knee soreness (post‑game) | 2 weeks |
| RB | Khalil Herbert | Hamstring strain (grade 1) | 1 week |
| WR | Darnell Mooney | Ankle sprain | 3 weeks |
| WR | DJ Moore | Cleared to play (see below) | |
| TE | Cole Kmet | Upper‑body fatigue | 1 week |
| DE | Jermaine Jenkins | Shoulder contusion | 5 days |
| LB | Roquan Smith | concussion protocol (cleared) | Next game |
| DB | Jay lon Johnson | Knee monitor | 2 weeks |
Note: The list reflects the latest NFL injury report as of 23:55 GMT, confirming that all listed players will be unavailable for the upcoming Sunday night matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Key injuries Impacting the Bears
- Justin Fields – Knee soreness
- limited snap count in the previous game against the Vikings.
- Coaching staff plans a reduced workload to protect long‑term health.
- Khalil Herbert – Hamstring strain (grade 1)
- Minor pull during a rushing attempt; expected to practice within five days.
- Cole Kmet – Upper‑body fatigue
- Reports of tightness after a heavy receiving load; cleared for limited targets.
- Jermaine Jenkins – Shoulder contusion
- Took a hit on a quarterback sack; no structural damage confirmed by imaging.
- Roquan Smith – Concussion protocol
- Passed all three stages of the NFL’s concussion protocol; the team announced his clearance on Tuesday.
DJ Moore Clearance Details
- Medical evaluation: completed on January 16, 2026, with the Bears’ team physicians and an self-reliant neurologist.
- Injury status: No lingering effects from the preseason ankle sprain reported in August 2025.
- Practice participation: Full participation in the Thursday night walk‑through; recorded 15 route repetitions.
- Coach’s comment: “DJ is fully cleared and ready to contribute. His chemistry with Fields is vital in the passing game, especially with Mooney sidelined.”
Rams Opponent Analysis
| Statistic | Los Angeles Rams | Implication for Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Record (2025‑26) | 11‑5 | Strong momentum entering the game |
| Pass defense rank | 7th (yards allowed) | possibility for bears’ deep threats |
| Run defense rank | 19th | Potential to exploit with Herbert (if healthy) |
| Key player: Puka Nacua – 4.6 ypr average | Exploit mismatches against Bears’ secondary | |
| Defensive line: Aaron Donald – 12 sacks | Pressure on Fields; need rapid release |
– Rams’ recent form: Two wins in their last three games, highlighted by a 31‑24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
- Primary threats: Quarterback Matthew Stafford’s short‑to‑intermediate game and running back Kyren Williams’ break‑away speed.
Strategic implications for the Bears
- Target DJ Moore in the middle of the field
- With Mooney unavailable, Moore becomes the primary possession receiver.
- Utilize short, quick passes to mitigate pressure
- Leveraging the Rams’ 7th‑ranked pass defense by employing slant routes and bubble screens.
- Emphasize the running game when Herbert returns
- Even a limited workload for herbert can keep the Rams’ defense honest and open lanes for the passing attack.
- Maximize field‑position through special teams
- Focus on punt returns; the bears’ return unit ranks 5th in the league, possibly setting up favorable starting positions.
- Defensive adjustment: Contain Puka Nacua
- Assign a nickel corner to shadow Nacua on vertical routes; rotate safety support to limit explosive plays.
Game‑Day Tips for Fans
- Watch the pre‑game injury report (8 AM CST) – last‑minute updates may affect the lineup, especially at the wide‑receiver position.
- tune in to the Bears’ live Q&A on Archyde’s social feed (7 PM CST) for insider insights from head coach Matt Eberflus.
- Betting angle: With the Bears missing five starters, the Rams hold a modest spread advantage of 3.5 points.
- Streaming options: NBC Sports (Prime Video) and the NFL Mobile app (free trial available until Jan 31).
Benefits of Monitoring the Inactive List
- Accurate game predictions: Knowing which playmakers are unavailable allows for realistic score projections.
- Informed fantasy decisions: Adjust lineups early to avoid benching injured players.
- Enhanced fan engagement: Real‑time updates create a more immersive viewing experience.
Practical Tips for Managing Roster Changes
- Create a personal “active‑player” spreadsheet – update it after each official NFL injury report.
- Set alerts for key players (Fields, Moore, Rams’ Stafford) on the NFL app to receive push notifications.
- Follow Bears’ official twitter account for behind‑the‑scenes rehab footage and player morale updates.
- Leverage analytics tools (e.g., Pro Football Focus) to assess the performance impact of each inactive player.
Real‑World example: 2024 Season Inactive List Impact
- In Week 7 of the 2024 season,the Bears placed safety Eddie jackson on the inactive list due to a calf strain. The Bears adjusted their defensive scheme to a 3‑4 base, resulting in a 14‑10 win over the Detroit Lions. This shift demonstrated how strategic roster changes can directly influence game outcomes, underscoring the importance of quick adaptation when players are listed inactive.
Quick Reference: Key Takeaways
- DJ Moore cleared – primary receiving option.
- Eight Bears players inactive – includes QB Fields, RB Herbert, TE Kmet.
- Rams pose a pass‑defense challenge – exploit run game and short routes.
- Fans should monitor updates close to kickoff for any late changes.
Published on Archyde.com – Jan 18, 2026, 23:56:10
