Alongside the New England Patriots, the Chicago Bears' defense is considered one of the most fearsome in the NFL. That defense will take a hit with linebacker Roquan Smith being downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Bears’ LB Roquan Smith has been downgraded to doubtful for today’s game vs. Vikings.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 29, 2019
The team announced Smith's availability, or lack there of, just hours before the Bears are set to take the field, saying it was due to personal reasons.
The second year inside linebacker has stayed healthy throughout the first 3 games of the season as the Bears will have to turn to their backup Nick Kwiatkoski to help stop Dalvin Cook and the rest of the Vikings offense.
Cook has been one of the leagues most impressive players so far this season, rushing for over 100 yards in each and over 150 in Week 2's loss to the Green Bay Packers. To no one surprise, Cook is also the leagues leading rusher through Week 3 but is going to face his toughest defensive test of the young season.
Smith has performed well in his role along side Khalil Mack, with 24 tackles in his contests. Although Smith is an important piece to Chicago's defense, the Bears will most likely be able to cope with the loss with Smith's possible absence not due to any sort of injury.
Coming out of Georgia in 2018, Smith slipped to the Bears at number eight and it couldn't have worked out better as he fits in perfectly with the defensive identity that Bears have created. If Smith does in fact miss todays game, one should hope he can be there for next weeks matchup against Daniel Jones and the New York Giants.
Follow Us
Subscribe