If the Chicago Bears are at all serious about developing their rookies, they should flip the switch on their interior and play rookie Shemar Turner over veteran Grady Jarrett Week 3 against the Cowboys.
Dallas is reshuffling the middle of its offensive line after starting center Cooper Beebe went down with a significant ankle sprain, which puts a big glowing arrow on their A-gaps. A young, explosive body might give Chicago a little more juice right now.
On the September 15 episode of 670 The Score’s Mully & Haugh Show, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune suggested the move, particularly considering Jarrett has been hobbled by a knee injury. Turner has been inactive for the team’s first two games, and it might be time for the Bears to see what he can bring.
“One thing I would consider for next week, certainly, is how about activate Shemar Turner, the second round pick and defensive tackle, and give him a little bit of a run,” Biggs suggested. “I mean, Grady clearly wasn’t at full strength yesterday (against the Lions). I’m sure Grady wants to be out there. But, you know, you want to develop your young talent.”
Bears Defense Has Been Bad vs. the Run So Far in 2025
Through two games so far, the Bears have surrendered 297 rushing yards, giving up an average of 148.5 yards per game. That ranks 27th out of 32 teams. Opposing running backs are consistently winning on first down, and much of the time, it’s because Chicago’s interior linemen are failing to close gaps and shed their blocks.
When your defense is getting gashed for 4 or 5 yards per carry, it bleeds the clock, wears the entire group down and keeps the ball out of the hands of Caleb Williams and the offense.
Why Should Shemar Turner Get Snaps Over Grady Jarrett?
GettyShould the Chicago Bears start rookie defensive tackle Shemar Turner over veteran Grady Jarrett?
Jarrett, a respectable veteran, still has a lot to offer. He’s an excellent leader and mentor, and he can be effective when used more situationally. But at 31, his age may be getting the best of him. Through two games, he has one solo tackle and two pressures to show for his efforts. That’s simply not enough production from a guy starting inside.
Starting Turner next to Gervon Dexter, then mixing Jarrett in as a situational piece (short-yardage, heavier sets) better matches what the first two weeks have told us about where impact from the team’s interior D-line might come from. The Bears inked Jarrett to a $43 million deal this offseason, so they’re not going to bench him. But they also have to see what they have in Turner.
Chicago didn’t spend pick No. 62 on Turner to redshirt him; they drafted him because he can line up next to Dexter to give the Bears two big, young bulls on the inside. Why not turn him loose?
Bears Could Expose Gaps in Cowboys Offensive Line
At Texas A&M, Turner was a disruptive, gap-splitting problem who stacked a breakout 2023 (10.5 TFL, 6.0 sacks) with a steady 2024 (5.5 TFL, 2.0 sacks), while also flashing on special teams (he had two blocked kicks in 2023).
With Beebe sidelined, Dallas will turn to Brock Hoffman at center and there will likely be rookies/youngsters (Tyler Guyton, Tyler Booker) next to him. That feels like an open invitation for Dennis Allen and the Bears defense.
Given Dallas’ interior injuries coupled with Chicago’s need for early-down disruption, there’s no reason for the Bears to keep Turner on the sidelines any longer. It’s time to see what he can do.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Bears Urged to Start Rookie Lineman Over $43 Million Veteran appeared first on Heavy Sports.