Last year, the Chicago Bears' defensive tackle room struggled after Andrew Billings tore his pec. To make sure this wouldn't happen again, Chicago added depth to the room this offseason. The Bears signed Grady Jarrett and drafted Texas A&M defensive tackle Shemar Turner.
This added depth excited Bears fans for the potential the unit may have this year. Unfortunately, the unit suffered an injury early in training camp. Last Thursday, Turner missed practice with an ankle injury, and it looks like Chicago will be without its first-year stud for the next little while.
Following Monday's practice, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune provided an update on Turner's injury, reporting that the rookie will be out for at least four weeks.
- S Jaquan Brisker excited for opportunity to fill variety of roles
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) July 28, 2025
- WR Luther Burden finally hits field
- Sights and sounds of full pads in a day heavy on ground game work
- DT Shemar Turner out 4 weeks, maybe a bit more all in #Bears Camp rundownhttps://t.co/KyhCzaKTCA
Chicago Bears Rookie DT Shemar Turner to be Out at Least 1 Month
Turner's injury news is not something Bears fans or the organization wanted to hear. As one of Chicago's three second-round picks in the 2025 NFL draft, the 22-year-old was expected to make an impact as a rookie; however, being sidelined for a month during training camp will slow down his early development.
Being able to participate in training camp would allow Tuner to have important one-on-one reps, as well as practice with the team. Getting some practice tape of one-on-one reps would allow the rookie to break down what went right or wrong on said rep with the coaches and fix the issues.
Moreover, being able to participate in team drills would allow Turner to build chemistry with the members of the defensive line. This is imperative so he can learn to work off his teammates while rushing the passer.
Furthermore, this injury means he will miss all of the preseason. Not only do preseason games allow a rookie to continue building on what they are doing in training camp, but they also give them a chance to see live NFL reps. Without these preseason reps, Turner will likely be underprepared to make an immediate impact in the first month of the season.
Still, the 22-year-old has immense talent and should impact the Bears' defense positively as a rookie, even after missing training camp. Nevertheless, this injury provides a chance for a player like former third-round pick Zacch Pickens to make an impact and stay with Chicago as a fifth defensive tackle.
Whether or not Pickens or anyone else will step up in Turner's absence remains to be seen. For now, Bears fans wish the promising rookie nothing but the speediest recovery.