The Chicago Bears added multiple pieces to their defensive line this offseason. Their biggest acquisition, however, was signing veteran Grady Jarrett to a three-year, $42.7 million contract. Despite being 32 years old, Bears fans were excited to have Jarrett as part of the defensive front because of his veteran presence and ability to be a difference-maker up front.
Given his age, there were concerns about potential injuries occurring. Unfortunately, those fears seem to be coming true. On Wednesday, the veteran did not practice due to a knee injury. While some fans didn't put much stock into that report since Wednesday's practice was a walkthrough, they should take notice now.
Jarrett was also sidelined on Thursday with the same knee injury. If the veteran misses Sunday's game, it could open up lots of opportunities for the Detroit Lions' offense.
Bears DT Grady Jarrett in Jeopardy of Missing Week 2
Bears fans had every reason to worry about Jarrett facing injuries after his signing. The veteran defensive tackle tore his ACL midway through the 2023 season. However, he did play the entire 2024 season, but his injury risk continues to rise with age.
Even so, the 32-year-old was expected to bring juice to this defense. He did exactly that in Week 1. According to Pro Football Focus, Jarrett recorded three tackles for loss and a run defense grade of 67.7. Meanwhile, he didn't fare as well as a pass rusher, earning a 49.1 pass rush grade after not recording a single sack, quarterback hit, hurry, or QB pressure.
Still, he commands attention from opponents. Jarrett's potential absence will allow Detroit to run a more successful offense. Last week, the Lions' offensive line struggled mightily defending the run and pass. If Jarrett were healthy, he might be able to take advantage of that this week and create havoc.
Instead, Chicago will have to rely on veteran Andrew Billings and rookie Shemar Turner to fill in. Over the past few seasons, Billings has become beloved by Bears fans for his run-stuffing ability and his occasional pass rush. Sadly, Billings also struggled in Week 1, recording an overall grade from PFF of 34.3.
Turner, on the other hand, didn't see the field in Week 1. With how deep the Bears are at defensive tackle and the fact that he missed a month of training camp due to injury, that was understandable. Be that as it may, the rookie needs to come in and make an impact quickly.
Monitoring how the Bears allocate the defensive tackle snaps without Jarrett on Sunday will be interesting, as it will be a telling sign of how this group will move forward if, and when, the veteran is unable to suit up for games down the road.