Bears safety Eddie Jackson aiming to play vs. Commanders

The Chicago Bears have a short turnaround as they hit the road to face the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football. And it sounds like they might be getting a key player back.

Safety Eddie Jackson has missed the last two games with a foot injury suffered against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. While Jackson was projected to not practice during Monday’s walkthrough, the veteran safety is trending toward a return.

Jackson appeared on ESPN 1000’s Bleck & Abdallah Show on Monday, where he said the plan is for him to play Thursday night against the Commanders.

“That’s the plan,” Jackson said. “Right now, day by day. I’m feeling a lot better. So that’s definitely the plan.”

He later added: “That’s definitely the target goal. I’ve been out too long. It’s too frustrating.”

Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson is dealing with a foot injury that has kept him out the last two games but said on @ESPN1000 that the plan is for him to play Thursday night.

— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) October 3, 2023

Obviously, nothing is guaranteed. Jackson was marked as not practicing during Monday’s walkthrough, but things could change depending on how he progresses. Or the team could opt to hold him out during a short week and give him 11 days to rest before returning against the Vikings on Oct. 15.

If Jackson is able to suit up Thursday night, it would be huge for a Bears secondary already down three starters at defensive back — Jackson and cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson (hamstring) and Kyler Gordon (IR).

It’s definitely something worth monitoring over these next couple of days before the Bears and Commanders kick things off on Thursday Night Football.