When Chicago Bears edged out the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football despite a laundry list of missing stars, the league’s biggest primetime slot proved that depth can outweigh headline names.
The showdown unfolded on October 13, 2025, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, with kickoff slated for 8:15 PM ET. Both clubs entered the Week 6 contest with slim margins – the Bears at 2‑3 and the Commanders at 3‑2 – making every turnover a potential swing point.
Background to the Week 6 Showdown
Saturday’s doubleheader on ESPN set the tone for a frantic Monday night, but the real drama began when each franchise released its inactive list just 90 minutes before kickoff. The NFL’s standard protocol, posted on NFL.com at roughly 6:30 PM ET, confirmed the absences that would shape strategy on both sides.
For Chicago, the loss of veteran interior pass rusher Grady Jarrett, a 31‑year‑old defensive tackle entering his tenth season, was the biggest blow. Jarrett, a Georgia native, had logged 1.5 sacks and 27 tackles through the first five weeks. Adding to the woes, placekicker Cairo Santos, the Brazilian‑born specialist who was 11‑of‑12 on field goals, also sat out.
Washington’s roster was even more depleted. Wideout Terry McLaurin – the team’s go‑to receiver with 388 yards and two TDs – was listed as inactive, as was fellow receiver Noah Brown. Veteran quarterback Josh Johnson, the 38‑year‑old journeyman, also missed his first start of the season. Two young linebackers, Ale Kaho (24) and Kain Medrano (23), were ruled out, as was guard Brandon Coleman (26).
Inactives and Their Impact
Chicago’s defensive line coach, Matt Eberflus, admitted that Jarrett’s absence forced a shift to a more blitz‑heavy scheme. “We lost a key interior pressure piece,” he said, “but our younger guys have been hungry.” The Bears leaned on rookie defensive end Von Miller (35) for veteran savvy, while Michael Badgley stepped in as kicker.
Meanwhile, Washington’s offensive coordinator, Scott Turner, faced a dilemma: without McLaurin and Brown, the passing game lost its primary targets. “Jayden Daniels will have to spread the ball to Deebo Samuel and the tight ends,” Turner explained during the pre‑game press conference.
The loss of Josh Johnson also meant the Commanders could not fall back on a seasoned field general. Instead, they stuck with Daniels, a second‑year quarterback from LSU, who was still finding his rhythm.
Game Flow and Key Moments
Despite the roster holes, the opening quarter remained tight. The Bears struck first with a 12‑yard rush by D’Andre Swift that set up a 38‑yard field goal by Badgley – his first NFL points. Washington answered with a 45‑yard strike from Daniels to Deebo Samuel, narrowing the gap.
Midway through the second quarter, a pivotal turnover shifted momentum. Commanders’ rookie linebacker Kain Medrano, had he been active, might have thwarted the play, but his absence left a gap. A misread by Daniels resulted in an interception by Bears safety Kyler Gordon, who returned it to Washington’s 22‑yard line.
That set up a short TD pass from Caleb Williams to Rome Odunze, giving Chicago a 14‑7 lead at halftime.
The third quarter saw the Commanders fight back. Montez Sweat forced a fumble on Jarrett’s replacement, and the ball was recovered by Washington’s defensive line. However, the extra point was missed – a kicking mishap that echoed the earlier loss of Santos.
In the fourth, the Bears’ defense held firm. A late‑game fumble forced by Aaron Hutchinson (not listed in the inactives) sealed the win, and the final scoreboard read 24‑17 in Chicago’s favor.
Post‑Game Reactions
After the final whistle, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus lauded his squad’s resilience. “Missing Grady and Cairo hurt us, but the guys stepped up. That’s what this team is about.” He also praised rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson for shutting down Washington’s short passing routes.
Commanders’ GM Jason Wright was more measured. “We’re disappointed with the injuries, especially losing Terry,” he said in a post‑game interview. “But the three turnovers cost us. We’ll regroup and look to bounce back next week.”
The official “Instant analysis” posted on the Commanders’ website at 12:17 AM ET on October 14 confirmed the three turnovers as the difference-maker and hinted at a possible roster shuffle ahead of the Week 7 contest.
What This Means Going Forward
Both teams are now looking at the next few weeks as a make‑or‑break stretch. For Chicago, Jarrett’s health will be a major storyline; his return could solidify a defense that has struggled against the run.
Washington faces a longer road. With McLaurin sidelined, the Commanders may need to lean on younger receivers like Deebo Samuel and explore more tight‑end sets featuring Zach Ertz (34) and rookie Colston Loveland (21).
From a broader perspective, the game underscored how depth and in‑game adjustments can tilt even a primetime showdown. Fans who tuned into the ABC/ESPN broadcast, called by Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Erin Andrews, saw a match that was less about marquee names and more about who could execute under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Bears manage without Grady Jarrett?
Chicago switched to a blitz‑heavy front and leaned on veteran Von Miller to generate pressure. The defensive line collectively logged four sacks, compensating for Jarrett’s missing pass rush.
What impact did Terry McLaurin’s absence have on Washington’s offense?
McLaurin had been Washington’s leading receiver with 388 yards. Without him, the Commanders relied on Deebo Samuel and tight ends, which limited their vertical threat and contributed to three costly turnovers.
Who were the key players that stepped up for the Bears?
Caleb Williams threw for 210 yards, D’Andre Swift added a 58‑yard run, and safety Kyler Gordon’s interception sparked a 14‑point surge. Kicker Michael Badgley also delivered a crucial field goal in the opening drive.
What does this loss mean for the Commanders’ playoff hopes?
The defeat drops Washington to 3‑3, putting them in a tight race for the NFC East lead. They’ll need to win their remaining games and hope the division rival Lions slip up to stay in contention.
When is the next matchup for these teams?
The Bears return home for a Week 7 clash against the New York Giants on October 20, 2025. Washington faces the Dallas Cowboys the following Sunday, giving both squads a chance to rebound.