The Chicago Bears have significantly improved their chances of being a force on the defensive side of the football this season with the additions of rookie linebacker Roquan Smith and superstar defensive end, Khalil Mack. However, both players will play on a limited basis in the team's season opener against the division rival Green Bay Packers.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bears won't be rushing these two players back into the mix. Neither Mack nor Smith played during the preseason.
The Chicago Bears expect their new defensive standouts, Khalil Mack and rookie Roquan Smith, to play against the Green Bay Packers in a limited fashion Sunday night, sources told ESPN.
Both Mack and Smith could wind up playing between 20 to 30 plays because the Bears don't want to rush them into action when neither played in the preseason, according to sources.
With these two defensive stars limited and the Packers considered to be among the league's elite teams, Green Bay is predictably favored to come out on top in this bitter NFC North rivalry, according to BetOnline.ag. However, Aaron Rodgers and company will have to a deal with a revamped team with high hopes of making a playoff run this season.
The Bears are expected to take a leap forward this year with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky potentially taking the next step in his development and head coach Matt Nagy installing a new system which could be a game changer for Chicago. The addition of Mack only improves their chances of being a force in the NFC.
Follow Us
Subscribe