Bears keep scoring as Ravens confront receiver injuries
Chicago set a franchise Week 1 scoring record against Carolina, while Baltimore faces uncertainty over Ja’Kobi Lane and Zay Flowers.
The Chicago Bears opened their NFL season with a 59–37 win over the Carolina Panthers, setting the highest-scoring Week 1 mark in franchise history. Coach Ben Johnson said the team continued attacking in the fourth quarter because Carolina remained within reach and had shown it could recover from deficits.
Chicago led 45–31 after Kyle Monangai’s third-quarter touchdown but added two more scores late, including a touchdown by running back D’Andre Swift. Johnson said the Bears wanted to finish the game with possession and had prepared for Carolina’s ability to rally.
The Bears will face the Minnesota Vikings in their home opener in Week 2.
Baltimore’s receiving options have been reduced by injuries. Rookie Ja’Kobi Lane is expected to undergo surgery for a fractured wrist and could miss close to a month, according to a CBS Sports report. The Ravens have reportedly not ruled out placing him on injured reserve.
Zay Flowers is considered day-to-day with a hamstring injury, with his return dependent on how he progresses during the week. Fox Sports reported that Lane’s NFL debut against Indianapolis was cut short by the wrist injury, leaving Rashod Bateman, Chris Moore and Elijah Sarratt higher on Baltimore’s depth chart.
