Six-And-Out: Essengue played only six minutes with the Bulls this season and has bounced between the Bulls’ bench and the G-League’s Windy City Bulls’ lineup. He did not score during his limited court time in the NBA.

Essengue, 18, suffered the undisclosed shoulder injury during a G-League game.

Coach Billy Donovan on Essengue’s injury: “He didn’t dislocate his shoulder, but he’s got some looseness and some movement in there that they need to kind of tighten up for him, or that’s going to probably continue to happen.”

Nets 113, Bulls 103: That 5-0 start to the year was somewhat historic for the Bulls — their best since Michael Jordan was suiting up and dropping 28.8 per night to begin the 1996-97 season.

They’re 4-12 since with two five-game losing streaks sandwiched into that stretch. Everything about last night’s game was pretty uninspiring. Josh Giddey posted a triple-double, scoring 28 points with 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Everything else? Not as nice.

Coby White missed his second consecutive game with a left calf strain. He could return on Friday when the Bulls host the Pacers.

Why do you think the Bears are underdogs this weekend? Who do you think wins on Sunday? – Jonathan

That one comes courtesy of the Chicago Bears’ 2025 Fan of the Year, Jonathan Otten. Make sure you vote for him for NFL Fan of the Year here.

As for Sunday, I don’t think oddsmakers are quite sure what to make of the Bears. After all, they’re six games above .500 with a +6 point differential. Obviously, that’s due to a 31-point loss in Week 2 and a 14-point loss in Week 8, but they’re not exactly blowing teams out of the water either.

Here’s the deal — I still don’t know what’s supposed to impress me about the Packers right now. Jordan Love was terrific on Thanksgiving and Micah Parsons is the boogeyman of pass rushers. Still, Love is terribly inconsistent and the Bears’ offensive line is playing at an elite level.

I’ll save my prediction for Friday’s official predictions post, but I can tell you right now that I’ll be picking the Bears to upset the Packers in Green Bay.

How do you think the Bears will deploy the DBs once everyone, including Tyrique Stevenson, is back? – Joe

A consistent rotation is the best way to keep these guys healthy as we inch toward the postseason. Who knows when Jaylon Johnson will be full strength? Ideally, soon, but I’d still anticipate a snap count this Sunday.

If everybody’s healthy at the same time, and that feels like a big if, it feels like Stevenson’s the odd man out right now. Nahshon Wright is prone to the occasional hiccup in coverage but he’s also forced a takeaway in five consecutive games. You can’t bench that.

I’d assume we’ll see plenty of dime as we’ve seen the last couple of weeks. And without a clear picture of the linebacking situation, continuing to deploy Jaquan Brisker and C.J. Gardner-Johnson as hybrid backers makes sense.

Has anyone looked at how many balls Caleb Williams throws away each game? Everyone talks about his completion percentage, but it seems he does this more than anyone. – John

Great timing, John. Yesterday’s Insider Analysis from Hoge & Jahns went in depth on the improvement of Williams’ decision-making as a passer, and why the accuracy numbers, while not great per se, could be nearing a big rebound.

I’d highly recommend that you check that out here, but you’re right — it’s certainly better on tape than the numbers indicate. As Ben Johnson said on Tuesday, “throw those out the window.”

What is your honest evaluation of Caleb? Are the Bears winning because of him or despite him? – Ken

Well, Ben Johnson is right — the Bears are winning in spite of their passing game. However, I think it’s fair to say they’re winning because of Williams, too. To me, those aren’t mutually exclusive.

The offense — specifically the clunky passing attack — is leaving points on the table. Whether it’s dropped balls, slips on routes coming out of breaks, or yes, the occasional errant miss from Williams, the opportunities to click are seemingly there each week and just haven’t connected.

That said, look at the ends of some of these nail-biters. Cincinnati in Week 9, at home against the Giants in Week 10; those are not wins without Williams’ ability to frequently put on his Superman cape and play the part of the hero.

It’s not a perfect product right now and that’s okay. And for as many moments that arise each week that make you question Williams’ progress, when push comes to shove late in the fourth quarter, there aren’t many others you’d rather have under center.

Was Ben Johnson brought here to run the I-formation? – Matt

Sick reference, bro. Your references are out of control. Everyone knows that.

To answer your question: he’s not an idiot.

Who on the Bears’ staff (coaches and front office) is most at risk of being poached this offseason? – Quack

Assistant general manager Ian Cunningham has been a finalist for a GM opening each of the last three offseasons. Maybe he finally breaks through this go-around. Defensive backs coach Al Harris feels like a shoo-in for a coordinator job elsewhere, too.

Those guys are the obvious choices. What about offensive coordinator Declan Doyle? I could see an interested party with a defensive head coach willing to give him a shot as a playcaller.

Which position do you think Ryan Poles will focus on in next year's draft? – Richard

Things can obviously change in the final few weeks of the season that alter the outlook. Ozzy Trapilo becoming a possible revelation at left tackle is a massive development, too. If that continues to work as well as it has for the last two weeks, I think the clear answer is pass rusher.

You think this secondary is strong now? Imagine it with a consistent and relevant defensive front with a knack for applying quick pressure on the quarterback.

What were your expectations entering the season? What are they now? – Bruce

I said 7-10 back in July. After Week 2, I think I told Carm they might win four games. If you’d told me they’d win nine of the next 10 games after that debacle in Detroit, I’d have called you crazy.

How have those expectations changed? Read Wednesday’s newsletter. I was talking about potential clinching scenarios for Week 16. The hype is fun and exciting, but more importantly, it’s warranted. Ben Johnson, in a matter of one year and less than a full season, has proved himself as the guy.

Sunday will tell us a lot, but if the Bears win at Lambeau like I think they will, look out, I think we’re talking about the 13-win Bears.

Are fans missing an opportunity to enjoy this incredible season by constantly moving the goalposts with the expectations? – Ty

It’s a fair concern, but I think that’s the beauty of the game. Expectations are supposed to change. Look at the Bulls. They started 5-0 and expectations somewhat changed. They’re 4-12 since and it’s like the sky is falling. Yet, if you’d told me that the Bulls would start 9-12 at the beginning of the season, that would’ve made perfect sense.

Yes, you should enjoy the ride. But don’t be afraid to expect more and more from the team that is producing more and more.