Blackwell (concussion) does not carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Vikings.
Blackwell was a full participant at practice throughout the week after sitting out Week 10 versus the Giants with a concussion, and now he's in line to suit up in Week 11. So far in 2025, he's played 121 special teams snaps compared to just three defensive snaps.
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Bears' Josh Blackwell: Full participant in practice
Rotowire
Blackwell (concussion) was a full participant in Chicago's practice Wednesday.
Blackwell managed to practice despite suffering a concussion in the Week 10 win over the Giants. However, the 26-year-old will still have to officially clear the league's concussion protocol in order to be eligible to play in Sunday's matchup versus the Vikings.
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Bears' Josh Blackwell: Out with concussion
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Blackwell (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Giants.
Blackwell suffered a concussion during the Bears' Week 9 victory against the Bengals. The 26-year-old cornerback was not cleared to practice at all this week and will have to sit out Sunday's game. Blackwell's absence will likely mean Luther Burden will take over as the secondary kick and punt returner, with Blackwell's absence coinciding with Burden's return to the field.
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Bears' Josh Blackwell: Enters concussion protocol
Rotowire
Blackwell was diagnosed with a concussion and ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Bengals.
Blackwell will enter the league's five-step concussion protocol, and he would have to be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to be available for the Bears' Week 10 clash against the Giants on Sunday, Nov. 9. He returned one kickoff for 23 yards prior to his exit.
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Bears' Josh Blackwell: Extends contract
Rotowire
Blackwell agreed to a two-year extension with the Bears on Thursday.
In three seasons with the Bears, the 25-year-old undrafted free agent has recorded 44 total tackles, two forced fumbles and one interception primarily as a special teams player. The extension is reportedly worth up to $6 million, which would make him among one of the highest paid special teamers in the NFL.
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Bears' Josh Blackwell: Picks off pass
Rotowire
Blackwell tallied a tackle and an interception in the Bears' 35-16 win over the Jaguars on Sunday.
Blackwell came into the game after Kyler Gordon left with a hamstring injury. If Gordon misses additional time, Blackwell could take over the slot corner role, making him a possible IDP fill-in.
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Bears' Josh Blackwell: Active Thursday
Rotowire
Blackwell (hamstring) is active for Thursday night's game against the Panthers.
Blackwell was activated from injured reserve earlier in the day. The third-string cornerback has played 39 snaps on special teams and 19 on defense in two games this season.
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Bears' Josh Blackwell: Gets activated from IR
Rotowire
Chicago activated Blackwell (hamstring) from its injured reserve list Thursday, Larry Mayer of the Bears' official site reports.
The transaction makes Blackwell available to potentially play Thursday versus the Panthers. If he suits up, he'll probably play the majority of his snaps on special teams.
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Bears' Josh Blackwell: Slated for return
Rotowire
Blackwell (hamstring) was designated to return from IR on Monday.
Blackwell will now have a 21-day window to practice with the team before he'll need to be added to the active roster. However, the Duke product could return as soon as Thursday against the Panthers, if he's healthy enough to suit up.
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Bears' Josh Blackwell: Heads to IR
Rotowire
Blackwell (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve Friday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Blackwell wasn't able practice all week after suffering a hamstring injury during Chicago's Week 3 loss to Kansas City, making it no surprise that he's been placed on IR. The loss of the 24-year-old isn't the biggest to the Bears' defense, as he's recorded only four total tackles through two appearances this season.
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Bears' Josh Blackwell: Not ready to partcipate
Rotowire
Blackwell (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.
Blackwell exited the team's loss to the Chiefs on Sunday with the injury and was unable to return. It appears the Duke product is still working to recover and will now turn his focus to being ready to return to the practice field Thursday.
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Bears' Josh Blackwell: Practices fully Thursday
Rotowire
Blackwell (hamstring) is practicing in full Thursday ahead of Sunday's Week 3 game against the Chiefs.
Blackwell missed Week 2 against the Bucs. With slot CB Kyler Gordon (hand) on injured reserve, Blackwell should slide into that role versus Patrick Mahomes.
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Bears' Josh Blackwell: Ruled out Week 2
Rotowire
Blackwell (hamstring) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay, Larry Mayer of the Bears' official website reports.
No surprise here, as Blackwell originally received a doubtful designation. His absence could create more snaps at cornerback for the likes of Greg Stroman, Terell Smith and Jaylon Jones.
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Bears' Josh Blackwell: Lands on injured reserve
Rotowire
Blackwell (undisclosed) was placed on IR on Wednesday.
It's unclear what injury Blackwell suffered or when it occurred. The 23-year-old played a season-high 40 snaps in Sunday's loss to the Lions, recording five tackles (three solo). He'll now focus on returning next season at full health.
