LAKE FOREST, Ill.

In a significant blow to the Chicago Bears' defense, the team has officially placed safety Jaquan Brisker on injured reserve as of Thursday. This move comes after Brisker has been in the NFL's concussion protocol since October 7th, following a hard-fought game against the Carolina Panthers where he sustained an injury while forcing a turnover in a decisive 36-10 victory during Week 5.

The 25-year-old safety reported symptoms closely resembling a concussion just one day after the Panthers game and subsequently did not join the team for their London matchup. This unfortunate incident has sidelined him for four consecutive games, with Coach Matt Eberflus confirming that Brisker has already been ruled out for the Bears' upcoming game against their long-time rivals, the Green Bay Packers.

“He's still going through the concussion protocol and working closely with the trainers,” Eberflus noted. “We're assessing his condition on a week-to-week basis.”

On November 1st, Eberflus indicated that despite some progress in Brisker's recovery, symptoms persistent from the concussion have hindered his ability to clear the league's mandated five-step concussion protocol, essential for player safety.

“He’s making strides,” Eberflus remarked. “He’s been able to participate in meetings and walkthroughs, but he’s still experiencing symptoms. Above all, we prioritize his safety and well-being during this process.”

As a result of this placement on IR, Brisker will miss the Bears' next four games against formidable opponents including the Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers, although he will be eligible to return prior to Week 15.

This marks Brisker's third diagnosed concussion in as many seasons. He previously missed two games during his rookie year after sustaining a concussion in a game against the Atlanta Falcons in November 2022. During that game, he was evaluated for head injuries on two occasions but returned to the field. Earlier this month, in a matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Brisker was assessed for concussion symptoms after a collision but managed to continue playing until the end. However, just a week later, as the Bears were gearing up to face the Los Angeles Chargers, he was surprisingly listed as out due to an "illness," which later turned out to be another concussion.

Despite these setbacks, Brisker has shown resilience, starting all 35 games since being drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, making him a key player for the Bears’ defense. The Bears will undoubtedly feel his absence as they look to maintain their momentum through the upcoming games. Fans and experts alike will be eagerly watching for updates on his recovery, hoping for a full comeback as he navigates the challenges of concussion protocol.