advertisement

Chicago Bears having to make use of depth at linebacker

When the Bears reduced their roster to the final 53, they were deep enough at inside linebacker that John Timu, a four-game starter last season, didn't make the final cut.

But Monday night at Soldier Field against the Minnesota Vikings, Timu will be in the starting lineup.

"That's kind of been the story of my career; up-and-down, you never know, and anything can happen," Timu said. "Don't let the circumstances define what you know you can do, and don't let it affect you. Just keep preparing like you're going to play, and when you get that opportunity, don't look back."

Timu epitomizes the roller-coaster life that the NFL can be for some players. He's been cut, signed to the practice squad and promoted to the 53-man roster in each of his three seasons.

After just four games, injuries and a suspension have eliminated the Bears' top three inside linebackers.

Opening-day starter Jerrell Freeman suffered a chest injury in Week One and is on injured reserve. Nick Kwiatkoski, a fourth-round pick last year, stepped in for Freeman but also suffered a chest injury. He might be back soon, but he won't play this week.

The other opening day starter at inside linebacker, Danny Trevathan, is serving a one-game suspension for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Packers wide receiver Davante Adams in Week Four.

That leaves the Bears with three healthy inside linebackers; Timu, who started in Week Three; Christian Jones, who started in Week Four; and Jonathan Anderson who was also failed to make the initial 53-man roster. Timu and Anderson both began the season on the practice squad.

Obviously, depth could be a problem, but the Bears aren't panicking.

"It's a concern, but at least we're playing with guys that were here, that were in camp," defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. "That was the one position on defense, when we went to the 53 and practice squad, where we did have guys.

"We had four active and two on the practice squad, and now all six of them have played. So we feel good about that in that we're not having somebody in off the street having to learn a new system."

Fortunately inside linebacker was one of the Bears' strengths heading into the season. Jones has started 21 games since the Bears signed him as an undrafted rookie in 2014 out of Florida State. Timu has eight starts since he, too, was signed as an undrafted rookie out of Washington in 2015. Anderson started three games as a rookie in 2015, after he also went undrafted out of TCU.

"We're confident in John," Fangio said. "John knows our defense. He's been here for three years. The game's not too big for him. He loves to play. He is instinctive and smart. So we think he'll go in there and do fine."

• Outside linebacker Willie Young, who is tied for the team lead with 2 sacks, could be lost for the remainder of the season with a torn triceps.

Young was limited at Thursday's practice but did not practice at all Friday or Saturday and is listed as doubtful for Monday night's game.

Asked Saturday about Young potential absence, coach John Fox said: "There's a reason they're the starter, but I feel good about our backups. We've got more depth this season than we've had in the past, so I feel confident in the people we'll have out there and the options we have."

Young started twice this season at left outside linebacker, as did Sam Acho. Pernell McPhee didn't start but played a season-high 34 snaps against the Packers in Week Four, 5 more than Young, who did start.

• Inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (chest) and outside linebacker Willie Young (triceps) did not practice Saturday and are doubtful for Monday night's game.

Cornerback Marcus Cooper (back spasms) did not practice and is questionable. Center Hroniss Grasu (hand) was limited and is questionable. Defensive lineman Akiem Hicks (foot) went through a full practice and will play.

For the Vikings, quarterback Sam Bradford (knee) was a limited participant and is questionable.

• Follow Bob's Bears reports on Twitter @BobLeGere.

Will Trubisky be latest Bears rookie to make an impact?

Mitch Trubisky can't do it alone, Chicago Bears' Loggains says

No matter who Vikings start at QB, Bears D will be prepared

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.