The Chicago Bears are trying to hold off the New England Patriots in the second half of their Thursday Night Football matchup, and they may need to do so without one of their key defensive backs. Cornerback Malik Muhammad suffered a toe injury during the third quarter and is officially doubtful to return.

Muhammad, a fourth-round rookie out of Texas, had been operating as the team's starting nickel cornerback and had been working on the outside over the last two games with the return of Kyler Gordon. He had made a number of plays to start the season and proved to be a valuable contributor early on. On Thursday just prior to exiting, Muhammad made a big pass deflection on wide receiver A.J. Brown to prevent a big pass play.

If Muhammad cannot return, the Bears will rely on a secondary featuring Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon, and Clark Phillips III. The Bears lead the Patriots 27-21 in the fourth quarter.