The Chicago Bears are getting a lot of contributions from their impressive rookie class. Luther Burden, Kyle Monangai, and Colston Loveland have all made an impact right away. Their fourth-round pick, Ruben Hyppolite II, however, has stumbled out of the gate. The decision to select the former Maryland standout was considered a reach and was scrutinized at the time. So far, Hyppolite hasn't done much to erase those concerns.
With only four weeks left in the regular season, Hyppolite is in a tough spot to prove his worth.
On one hand, the rookie is nearing a return after missing the last two weeks with a shoulder injury. He was listed as a full participant in Wednesday's estimated injury report. This puts him in line to suit up against the Browns in Week 15. With Tremaine Edmunds still on the injured reserve list, there is an opportunity for Hyppolite to play extended snaps.
Ruben Hyppolite's Return May Not Be Enough to Save Rookie Season
There are, however, a few complicating factors. Hyppolite hasn't been particularly good in the limited defensive snaps he has played so far this season. His first big opportunity of the season came against the Steelers in Week 12. Not only did he struggle, but he also only lasted 13 snaps before exiting the game with an injury. In his 31 snaps on the season, he has received a 46.7 defensive grade on Pro Football Focus.
PFF grades don't tell the whole story, but that mark is much lower than what Bears fans want to see from the ex-Maryland Terrapin.
D'Marco Jackson and Amen Ogbongbemiga, on the other hand, have exceeded expectations when they had to step up amid injuries to the linebacker corps. Jackson has been particularly impressive, playing every defensive snap in the last three weeks. It's hard to imagine Hyppolite earning the trust of the coaching staff over Jackson, who has been playing very well.
To make matters worse, the Bears made a linebacker signing overnight. The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs reported that the Bears were signing LB Ty Summers to the practice squad. Summers has been a key practice squad member for both the Packers and the Lions over the years, and could have a similar role for the Bears, if and when he is elevated to the active roster. Considering how the majority of Hyppolite's snaps came on special teams this season, adding another linebacker with significant ST experience is not a good sign for the rookie.
The Bears' defense has been playing well without Hyppolite and hasn't needed him so far this season. Understandably, head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will want to rely on their more proven contributors in the final stretch of the season, making it hard for Hyppolite to make an impact. Whether he will get a chance to turn his rookie campaign around remains to be seen.