One highlight in the Bears' Dec. 26 game against the Seahawks was the performance of receiver Tyler Scott as a gunner on special teams.

The second-year pro tackled Jaelon Darden for no gain at the Seattle 5 on one punt and forced Darden to fair catch four other punts at his own 16, 20, 14 and 12.

"I saw a guy taking advantage of his opportunity," said special teams coordinator Richard Hightower. "Really happy for Tyler and proud of him. He's earned those opportunities throughout practice the last month or so. I was happy to see him go in there and make a huge play."

Scott's effort helped rookie punter Tory Taylor land five of seven punts inside-the-20.

"I'm just happy to see [Scott] factor that much," Hightower said. "To be involved in four different opportunities to get the ball really inside the 16-yard line was outstanding by him. It doesn't really surprise me. I could talk all day about Tyler because I love the kid. Loved him since he's gotten here and just seeing him continue to be focused and fight through, and that's all I want these guys to do is be focused, fight through, take advantage of your opportunities, put good tape out there, put good film so people can see it."

Well-deserved

Defensive coordinator Eric Washington was excited to learn that cornerback Jaylon Johnson has earned Pro Bowl honors for the second straight season.

The fifth-year pro has started all 16 games this season, recording 48 tackles, two interceptions, seven pass breakups and seven tackles-for-loss. Johnson was chosen as a Pro Bowl starter this year after being tabbed as a reserve last season.

"Excellent job by him," Washington said. "Really excited for him and our defense. Well-deserved. Just really excited for him and proud of him."

Repeat performance

In the Dec. 26 game against the Seahawks, the Bears defense did not permit a touchdown and held Seattle to 12 first downs and 255 total yards.

Asked what he hopes to see from the defense in Sunday's season finale in Green Bay, Washington said: "The same thing we saw last week. I want them to play with passion, with intensity. I want them to be situationally smart. I want us to limit their rushing attack and just play with the kind of execution we saw the other night with Seattle."

Injury update

For the second straight day Thursday, running back Travis Homer (hamstring), receiver Rome Odunze (illness), left guard Teven Jenkins (calf) and safety Elijah Hicks (ankle/foot) did not practice.

Nickel back Kyler Gordon (illness) and long-snapper Scott Daly (personal) also did not work out.

Offensive tackle Larry Borom was a full participant Thursday after sitting out Wednesday with an illness.

Proud husband

U.S. gymnastics legend Simone Biles, the wife of Bears safety Jonathan Owens, on Thursday was named Sports Illustrated's 2024 Sportsperson of the Year.

Biles won three gold medals and one silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, increasing her career total to 11 Olympic medals, including seven gold medals.

"Just proud of her because [there was] a lot of work that she had to do to get back to that point that other people didn't get a chance to see," Owens told ChicagoBears.com. "I'm proud of her, love her, and I can't wait to celebrate with her."