Bears vs. Cowboys: Kevin Toliver auditioning for starting role in 2020
As a result of an injury, Kevin Toliver is getting a shot to audition for a starting role with the Chicago Bears in 2020.
The Chicago Bears will be taking on the Dallas Cowboys this evening in a game that they must win if they wish to realistically keep their playoff hopes alive. It will be a tough test for them made even tougher due to the fact that a couple of their key players will miss the game. However, it could give Kevin Toliver an opportunity to shine.
When the injury report was announced yesterday, starting cornerback Prince Amukamara was listed as doubtful. Prince has been dealing with a hamstring issue all week and was always a longshot to play in tonight’s game. However, now that he’s officially listed as doubtful it’s all but certain he’ll be out.
That isn’t the best of news for the Bears who go up against one of the best passing offenses (statistically speaking) in the NFL. While they can count on All-Pro Kyle Fuller on one side, Amukamara’s injury leaves a gap on the other side. With Sherrick McManis out for the year, the Bears must turn to the second-year undrafted free agent Toliver to fill that void.
While it’s never a good thing to be down a starter, the Bears can take advantage of this opportunity to evaluate Toliver as a possible replacement for Amukamara who could very well be a salary cap casualty next season.
While Prince has played very well for the Bears and has been incredibly reliable, he is currently 30-years-old and is set to make $9 million next year in the final year of his contract. However, the Bears could choose to part ways with him as releasing him would only count as $1 million of dead cap money.
The Bears have some holes they will need to fill next year, including tight end and offensive line. They will also have some players eligible to be extended, for example, Eddie Jackson, for whom they might want to free up some money.
However, releasing Amukamara would create another hole to fill, unless Chicago already had a cost-effective alternative on their roster who could take his place. Cue Toliver who would be that guy and could allow the team a little more financial flexibility should he be able to demonstrate he’s capable of starting opposite Fuller.
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While he has gotten limited playing time, tonight will be the first chance for the Bears to see him in extended action against an opponent with multiple quality wide receivers. If he performs well, he could be on his way to a starting role in 2020.