The Chicago Bears have a new star player on the defensive side of the football with the team pulling off a blockbuster trade to acquire arguably the best defensive end in the game, Khalil Mack.

Although Mack has already lifted his Bears jersey at an introductory presser and can't wait to get to work with his new team, there were some questions about whether he'd be ready to start the season. Mack sat out all of the training camp and preseason for the Oakland Raiders before being traded to Chicago. However, the perennial Pro Bowler has kept in shape and will be ready to take the field against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 9 at Lambeau Field, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

Article Continues Below
More Chicago Bears News
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field.
1 Chicago Bears player with most to prove at OTAsSteve Silverman ·
Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Bears coaching has issues with Caleb Williams demeanorZachary Draves ·
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field.
Bears’ Ben Johnson reveals ‘sign of weakness’ Caleb Williams needs to clean upZachary Weinberger ·
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field.
Caleb Williams reveals ‘talks’ with dad about revealing book leaksLorenzo J Reyna ·
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Bears’ Caleb Williams breaks silence on explosive reporting about draft planMalik Brown ·
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) carries the ball and runs against Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit
How ESPN projects Packers, Bears’ chances to beat out Lions in NFC NorthBen Strauss ·

With the Bears starting the 2018 campaign against the division rival Packers, Mack's debut couldn't come at a better time as Matt Nagy's squad tries to prove they'll be able to contend for the NFC North division title this season. The NFC North will be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL this year with the Minnesota Vikings arguably the most talented all-around team in the league while Aaron Rodgers and company try to bounce back after missing the playoffs last season.

It'll be interesting to see what kind of impact Mack has on his new team and if he's the missing piece to the playoff puzzle in Chicago. Mack has been a Pro Bowler for three straight years and has already won a Defensive Player of the Year award only four years into his career.