Heading into the Week 16 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, the Chicago Bears still have plenty to play for with the potential of possibly securing a first-round playoff bye.

However, this task may have become a little more difficult for Sunday's game as defensive back Eddie Jackson was declared out for the contest on Saturday as he didn't even travel with the team, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Jackson has been a key part of the Bears' secondary this season behind his versatility being able to play in multiple spots in the secondary. He currently has 51 tackles while being third in the league with six interceptions along with two forced fumbles. This includes garnering an interception in four out of the last five games played. Jackson has been dealing with a hamstring injury that he suffered in last Sunday's 24-17 win over the Green Bay Packers.

He has quickly emerged as one of the best young defensive backs in the league while cementing himself as a key part of the team's long-term future on that side of the ball. His absence will be felt as his playmaking ability has been key against the pass, where the Bears rank 10th in the league.

The fact that he didn't travel with the team is also an indication that there wasn't any serious consideration for him to even try to show in warmups that he could potentially give it a go. This adds to the Bears' battered secondary that will be without cornerback Bryce Callahan. In Jackson's absence, Deon Bush will likely attempt to fill his spot in the lineup.