The 0-4 Chicago Bears will play the 2-2 Washington Commanders on Thursday evening at FedEx Field in a Week 5 matchup.

Here’s what it’s essential to know earlier than kickoff (7:15 p.m., Fox-32, Prime Video).

The Chase Claypool saga

During a information convention Monday that was at occasions tense and awkward, coach Matt Eberflus stated the Bears requested vast receiver Chase Claypool to avoid the crew this week — and maybe completely — as they ready for tonight’s sport.

After the Bears knowledgeable Claypool he can be inactive for the Week 4 sport in opposition to the Broncos, he was not in attendance at Soldier Field for the Bears’ 31-28 loss. Confusion lingered about whether or not he opted to remain away or was instructed to by the crew.

Now, it appears, the Bears are weighing extra vital separation eventualities, hoping to both commerce the fourth-year vast receiver or presumably waive him to chop their losses.

Read extra right here.

Breakthrough for Bears offense?

The Bears began Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Broncos how they all the time wish to. Straightforward idea. 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 top of three quarters, Fields had misfired solely as soon as in 24 makes an attempt — on a Hail Mary to finish the primary half — and had thrown for 285 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Yes, the Bears frittered away a 28-7 lead in a gut-wrenching 31-28 loss. And, sure, Fields’ two fourth-quarter turnovers had been an enormous a part of that story.

But for the primary time in without end, the passing offense appeared alive.

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

Read extra right here.

‘He’s like a soccer relic’

Tonight’s sport would be the 256th in Bears tight finish Marcedes Lewis’ 18-year NFL profession. Jason Witten (271) and Tony Gonzalez (270) are the one tight ends with extra video games — and if the 39-year-old Lewis stays wholesome and finds a job subsequent season, he might surpass each.

It’s not the cash at this level that drives Lewis, who reinvented himself as an elite blocker after beginning his profession as a pass-catching menace. He goes via a meticulous every day exercise and restoration routine to arrange his physique to be prepared each Sunday — or, on this case, Thursday.

“I love the game,” he stated. “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 extra right here.

Miss something this week? Catch up earlier than kickoff.

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