When it rains, it pours for the Chicago Bears. This team is already decimated on the defensive side of the field, and losing promising rookie defensive lineman Shemar Turner won't do much to help this team's case.
Turner sustained a season-ending ACL injury in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Head coach Ben Johnson confirmed that defensive end Austin Booker will be activated from injured reserve on Monday to replace Turner, according to CHGO Sports' Adam Jahns. But that might not be enough to fix this team's woes, forcing general manager Ryan Poles' hand before the deadline.
The Bears Could be Forced to Add a Pass Rusher
The Bears took Turner in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft. Despite some doubts about his position in the pros because of his size, he had looked solid at both defensive tackle and EDGE, getting some run behind veterans like Gervon Dexter, Andrew Billings, and even the oft-injured Grady Jarrett.
Considering that, and with the trade deadline less than one week away, it might be wise for Poles to pick up the phone and try to land a pass rusher.
There will be no shortage of potential candidates if the Bears want to make a move. As things stand now, they could try to make a run at veterans like Jermaine Johnson, Jaelan Phillips, Arden Key, Arnold Ebiketie, or even Trey Hendrickson, although the final option doesn't sound realistic at this point.
Of course, there's also Booker, who was finally activated after his 21-day practice window opened three weeks ago. He's been a full participant in practice for the past couple of weeks, and he can also be a factor.
Booker was a fourth-round pick last season and had 21 total tackles (14 solo), four QB hits, three tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks in 17 appearances as a rookie. Now, after suffering a knee injury in the preseason, the Bears might have to lean heavily on him.
That's not usually the wisest approach to take when players are coming off a knee injury, and even if it were, Booker is still a young and unproven player. The Bears need to add someone who can take them to the next level, and he may not be ready to embrace that role.
Through seven games, the Bears have just 14 sacks, the seventh-fewest in the league. Dexter is leading the team with 3.5 sacks, with Montez Sweat right behind him with 3.0.
That's not going to get it done, and Ryan Poles better get to work.