Chicago Bears first-round pick Roquan Smith held out for about a month as the linebacker and the team engaged in a standoff over language in his first NFL contract. The two sides finally came to an agreement earlier this week, with compromises on the issue of voided guarantees, allowing the Georgia product to finally report to practice Tuesday at Halas Hall.
While Smith missed all of Bears training camp in Bourbonnais and the first two preseason games, quarterback Mitchell Trubisky insists there are “no hard feelings,” according to Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
“It was business,” quarterback Trubisky said. “But he’s here now, he’s ready to play football, and we’re excited to have him.
“He’s a part of this family. We embrace that. It’s just go time from now. It’s our job to get him caught up as much as possible. He’s a great football player, so he’s going to help out this defense, this team.”
Smith doesn't regret holding out, nor should he, and he has plenty of time to get up to speed as the Bears prepare for their regular-season opener against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 9.
Wednesday, Smith participated in his first padded practice and impressed teammates and coaches alike, and the Bears haven't yet ruled him out for Saturday's preseason tilt against the Denver Broncos. Even if the linebacker doesn't play Saturday, there are two other opportunities to get him game action before the regular season begins.
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