How the Bears Are Managing Their Injuries in the Trenches
As it has been every week this season, injuries remain the Bears' biggest issue. This week, the team announced that Dayo Odeyingbo will miss the rest of the season. This came after Odeyingbo tore his Achilles tendon in the victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. This became the second straight week the team has lost a player for the season, as last week against the Ravens, rookie Shemar Turner tore his ACL. In addition to these two season-ending injuries, Dominique Robinson has been missing time due to an ankle injury. With depth quickly thinning and key contributors sidelined, the Bears’ defensive end room faces its toughest test yet as the team looks to stay competitive down the stretch. Still, there’s optimism that the remaining options can seize the opportunity and keep the defense moving forward.
Chicago may not have been as active at the trade deadline as many had hoped, but it still made additions to the team. They completed a trade with the Cleveland Browns to bring in Joe Tyron-Shoyinka. The move was a very low-cost trade as the Bears received him and a seventh-round pick for a sixth-round pick. The former first-round pick has not played much for the Browns this season after signing a one-year deal. In Tampa Bay, he recorded 15 sacks in four years. He is also only 26 years old, so this move may not be the flashiest, but it could end up being a solid move. Regardless of his talent, the trade brought in a new body to the Bears’ very depleted front.
In addition to Tyron-Shoyinka, the Bears will need to rely on three players in particular. First, Montez Sweat needs to become a more consistent force. He has been improving these past few weeks as he is up to four sacks. If he can maintain this level, then it goes a long way for the defense. Secondly, Austin Booker needs to be able to make a splash. Heading into last week, the hope was that he could add a spark to the pass rush, which he did as he recorded a sack. Unfortunately, due to the injuries, Booker is now thrust into the spotlight. Building on this performance would give the team a strong athletic duo on the edges.
The final player to strengthen the trenches is Gervon Dexter Sr. He has been a strength on the defensive line to start the year. There is a very real argument that he has been the most consistent player on the defense. So far this season, he has recorded 19 tackles and three and a half sacks, which is the second most on the team. As a defensive tackle, he anchors the middle of the line, allowing easier work for the edge rushers.
Despite the setbacks, the group has shown flashes of resilience throughout the season. The Bears desperately need the resilience to turn to production soon. In a rare twist for this franchise, the offense is what has been carrying the team. Younger players now have a chance to step into the spotlight and prove they can handle the load. If the Bears can find a way to keep their defensive front steady, this stretch could reveal the next wave of impact players for Chicago’s future.
