The Chicago Bears spent big bucks to help their run defense in the offseason. Bears general manager Ryan Poles gave veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett a three-year deal worth $43.5 million, and so far, he's done nothing to justify that steep salary.
The former Atlanta Falcons star has only been able to play in three games this season. And while Saturday's report had him as questionable to suit up in Week 7, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that the team chose to err on the side of caution with him.
"Bears DT Grady Jarrett, who was expected to be active, will now be inactive for the third straight game with a knee injury, source says. The team opts for caution given the wet, slick conditions at Soldier Field. So not yet for Jarrett," Rapoport wrote on X.
Grady Jarrett's Injury Woes Continue to Hurt Bears
The 32-year-old defender barely practiced during the bye week, but the Bears hoped that another week would be enough to get him back on the field. Of course, the fact that it wasn't the case should sound the alarms in the Windy City, as he's not getting any younger, and knee injuries tend to linger, especially for big-bodied players like Jarrett.
He hasn't been a factor even when he's been healthy enough to suit up. In his first three games with his new team, he's registered just four tackles (one solo) and three quarterback hits. He's also logged a 55.7 Pro Football Focus grade against the run, which was supposed to be his most impressive trait.
The Bears lured him to Chicago after he started in all 17 games for Raheem Morris' team last season. He had one of the best seasons of his career, logging 53 total tackles (30 solo), 12 quarterback hits, nine tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. His ability to stuff the run while also putting pressure on the QB made him not only one of the best interior defenders in the game, but also one of the most versatile defensive tackles.
The Bears shouldn't have much trouble holding down the New Orleans Saints without him. But with a trip to Baltimore to face Derrick Henry and the Ravens next week, they will need all hands on deck to try and stop one of the most physical forces in the league.
Hopefully, Jarrett will finally be enough to show why the team spent so much money on him.