Tests show low ankle sprain for Bears TE Shaheen

Tests revealed Bears second-year TE Adam Shaheen suffered a low ankle sprain early in the first quarter Saturday night in Denver, per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport on Sunday.

Although it initially appeared worse, barring any further tests revealing more damage, Shaheen's injury might not prevent him from playing in Week 1 against the Packers.

Shaheen's ankle got stuck in the turf and bent backward after a tackle by Broncos rookie CB Isaac Yiadom on a five-yard catch, earning Yiadom a flag for initiating contact with his helmet. Shaheen was walking with a noticeable limp on the sideline before the Bears transported him to the locker room on a cart and ruled him out for the remainder of the 24-23 preseason victory.

Shaheen, the 45th overall pick in last year's draft, has had a strong camp, including catching three passes for 53 yards last week against the Bengals and causing problems in the middle of the Broncos defense this week in a pair of joint practices.

Shaheen tied for the team lead with 3 receiving touchdowns as a rookie, but they represented one-fourth of his total catches on the season as John Fox and Dowell Loggains were reluctant to use the 6-6, 270-pound Ashland product despite a lack of firepower in the passing game.

But even with the Bears making new TE1 Trey Burton one of the game's highest-paid players at his position, it's been apparent that new coach Matt Nagy has big plans for Shaheen, who has a massive catch radius and unique athleticism to create mismatches, particularly in the red area.

The Bears have enviable TE depth with 2017 starter Dion Sims still in the mix and Ben Braunecker and Daniel Brown flashing this preseason. But Shaheen was pushing Sims, who has been sidelined recently with a concussion, to be the Bears' top 'Y' tight end in Week 1 prior to Saturday night's injury, and is arguably Chicago's most talented player at a deep position.

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