The Chicago Bears had their four-game win streak halted last week when they lost to the Baltimore Ravens. As they prepare to travel to take on the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend, the Bears are still giving some frustrating answers regarding defensive end Austin Booker.
Chicago has allowed Booker to practice for several weeks, giving him time to gear up, but for some reason, something is holding him back. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen talked to the media on Thursday and spoke highly about Austin Booker; however, his comments didn't provide Bears fans with any relief.
"He’s been outstanding in practice,” Allen said regarding Booker (h/t @@adamjahns). While the positive update is good to hear at first glance, it's been a repeating story about Booker since he returned to practice, leaving fans wondering, "Why isn't he playing?"
Bears' Update on Austin Booker Has Been Same Old Story
For the Bears to continue saying that Booker is looking good in practice has to be annoying since they haven't allowed him to make his 2025 debut. Chicago officially opened Booker's 21-day practice window on Oct. 7, and he's participated in full weeks of practice, but that wasn't enough to get him to be active.
When he didn't suit up for the game against the Baltimore Ravens last week, it raised some red flags, and that's something fans are hoping to change, especially since their pass rush has been lackluster. Through eight weeks, Chicago is 27th in team sacks (14), with no one recording more than 3.5 sacks.
During the preseason, Booker racked up eight total tackles, one forced fumble, and four sacks. It was a knee injury that knocked him out, but the way the coaches are speaking about him, they need to throw him out there.
The Bears gave Dayo Odeyingbo a three-year, $48 million contract in free agency, but he has been a massive disappointment. Chicago handed Grady Jarrett a three-year, $43.5 million deal, and he's another player who hasn't made the impact they expected. A difference-maker like Booker is needed to help get the defensive line back on track.
The Bears need to pull the Band-Aid off and have Booker get active on gameday. Constantly telling fans that he is looking good in practice doesn't do anything for them. Everyone wants to see what he can bring to the defense, and hopefully, that can be sooner rather than later.
He's already missed eight games for Chicago, and many hope he won't miss any more. But with how the coaching staff has handled this situation, there's no telling if Booker will be on the field on Sunday.