Hampered by a foot injury, Bears Mack may miss time
Khalil Mack's foot injury first appeared on the Bears' injury report on Sept. 29 during the lead up to a Week 4 game against the Detroit Lions.
Mack has been listed on the injury report ever since. He has missed numerous practices, but he has not missed a game.
That could be about to change.
Mack is not expected to play this week against the San Francisco 49ers, according to a report from the NFL Network. Per the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the Bears are looking to give Mack additional time to rest, and a stint on injured reserve appears to be a possibility.
Being placed on injured reserve requires a three-game absence. With the Bears' bye week coming up in two weeks, the Bears could give Mack four weeks to get his foot right if he goes on IR.
Asked about the NFL Network's report Wednesday, Bears coach Matt Nagy said nothing is finalized at this point.
"There's been absolutely no decisions made and we'll just kind of see where that ends up," Nagy said.
Nagy said those talks are ongoing Wednesday and that Mack is visiting with doctors and trainers this week.
"We'll have those discussions," Nagy said, regarding a potential stint on IR. "We're not there yet."
Mack has been playing through the foot injury ever since the Detroit game on Oct. 3. He has been incredibly durable for the Bears over the past several years. The 30-year-old, six-time Pro Bowler hasn't missed a game since 2018. He has battled through several injuries in each of the past three season.
The last games Mack missed were back-to-back contests in Week 8 and 9 of the 2018 season. In fact, those are the only two games Mack has missed in his career. He never missed a game in his four seasons with the Oakland Raiders.
If Mack does indeed miss time, it would come at a not so opportune time for the Bears defensive front. Outside linebacker Robert Quinn remains on the COVID-19 reserve list. Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks missed Sunday's game against Tampa Bay due to a groin injury.