Chicago Bears: Eddie Goldman misses practice with concussion
Chicago Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman continues to struggle with injuries as he has now entered the concussion protocol.
Eddie Goldman is undoubtedly one of the most important players on the Chicago Bears defense. Goldman only played in six games for the Bears last season, missing most of the year with an ankle injury. Without him in the lineup, the Bears’ defense struggled to stop the run.
Goldman is a big and physical player up front. He has incredible power from the nose tackle position, but also has a quick first-step off of the ball. He is an incredible run defender who also shows an impressive pass rush burst from the interior. Simply put, Goldman has legitimate All-Pro upside. But only if he can stay on the field.
Hopefully, it’s nothing major, but Goldman is dealing with another injury issue. He missed practice on Tuesday as he enters the NFL concussion protocol.
Eddie Goldman did not practice today and is in the concussion protocol. #Bears
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) August 29, 2017
The Chicago Bears really struggled when Goldman missed time last season. His backup then was Will Sutton and it was obvious how much better Goldman was than Sutton. This year, the backup nose tackle battle is between veterans John Jenkins and C.J. Wilson, who both look like more capable replacements for Goldman.
The step down between these players and Goldman is still large, but they should be able to hold their own should Goldman have to miss some time.
The Chicago Bears have a strong defensive unit with a ton of natural upside. They are led by an impressively talented front seven, which Goldman is a major part of. With him in the lineup, the Bears can get elite production against both the pass and the run from the nose tackle position. In Vic Fangio’s 3-4 defense, the nose tackle position is arguably the most important position on the field. It is easy to see why Goldman’s health is so important to the Bears’ defensive success.
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Jenkins or Wilson could step in and provide decent security at the position, but if the Bears’ defense is going to hit its upside, Goldman needs to be on the field. It’s as simple as that.