Chicago Bears coach Nagy evasive on Trubisky, Smith

Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy wouldn't provide any update Monday on the status of quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who was knocked out of Sunday's victory after only six snaps because of a left-shoulder injury, or linebacker Roquan Smith, who missed the first game of his NFL career with what the team continues to call a "personal issue."

But, via his non-updates, Nagy might have unintentionally raised the concern level regarding two of the Bears' most vital players.

Minutes before Nagy hit the dais Monday at Halas Hall to discuss the Bears' 16-6 victory over the Minnesotay Vikings, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Trubisky suffered a dislocation and slight labrum tear in his non-throwing shoulder that won't require surgery.

Trubisky, according to Schefter, is expected to travel to London with the team Thursday for the Week 5 game against the Oakland Raiders.

Those injury specifics were in line with the ones that trickled out in unconfirmed reports Sunday night, and from the description the media received of Trubisky's injury in the locker room from teammate Anthony Miller, who candidly described the level of pain and maintenance that can accompany the injury.

"It's his left shoulder," Nagy said of Trubisky. "And so we'll know more here throughout the day.

"I think the biggest thing is making sure he feels good, and then doctor-wise and all that stuff, he's OK. We'll keep an eye on it. I'll know more later on here (Monday)."

Conveniently, Nagy, who claimed Schefter must know more than the head coach, would not be available later Monday or Tuesday, when the Bears are only scheduled to have an open locker room.

Nagy was even more evasive discussing Smith, which is understandable because there's a certain societal acceptance built in under the term "personal issue."

But because Nagy has been seemingly as close to an open book as an NFL coach can be in his media dealings in the first 20 months on the job, he was asked whether the seemingly cryptic nature of the way Smith's situation has been painted by the team should signal something ominous.

"It's simple for me. … Just saying where I'm at (with Smith). Personal reason."

This is simple too: Smith was the eighth overall pick in last year's draft, a Pro Bowl alternate as a rookie who led the Bears' top-rated defense in tackles and came within two of matching Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher's franchise rookie record.

If the Bears didn't acquire Khalil Mack via trade roughly four months after his selection, Smith would be the face of the Bears' 'D.'

So to not disclose any information on Smith's status is akin to sending red flags. Especially when Nagy was asked point-blank whether Smith is dealing with a legal issue and if the 22-year-old is subject to potential team discipline.

"It's completely a personal issue. I'm not going to answer any more about it," he said. "I understand where you all are coming from, but out of respect to this right now, I just want to leave it at that."

The most Nagy would offer regarding the Bears' surprising Sunday deactivation of Smith was the Bears "felt that that was what we wanted to do at the time."

Rest assured, this story won't go away. The incredible resolve of their players and coaches Sunday temporarily changed the conversation, but the Bears' unwillingness to provide any specifics isn't helping with the aesthetics.

"I'm not. That's all part of your guys' world and what people do," Nagy said in response to a question on whether he was concerned regarding the rumor mill.

"Totally normal, that everything, with whatever the situation is, today's social media and all that stuff, people can say different things. People want to be the first to do this or do that. But, I'm not concerned, no."

• Twitter: @ArthurArkush.