With some last-minute news before the game against the New Orleans Saints, NFL insider Ian Rapoport announced that Chicago Bears’ defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is expected to play.
Jarrett, 32, missed the team’s last two contests against the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders due to a knee injury.
Grady Jarrett Expected to Suit Up for Bears vs. Saints
GettyChicago Bears defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.
The Bears signed Jarrett this offseason to a three-year, $43.5 million contract to become a key part of the defense. However, in the three games the former Atlanta Falcon has appeared in, he’s been unimpressive.
Jarrett had just four total tackles with an overall grade of 55.7 by Pro Football Focus, which ranks 117th out of 192 qualified defensive linemen.
More than being a captain on the defense, Jarrett has to step up for the Bears’ defense, and he knows not to let this opportunity slip pass him.
“Being a part of something that is going to start here special,” Jarrett said when he signed with the Bears. “Me being somebody who wants to be in a position to compete for championships, encourage younger guys around me, and really share my experience and my hunger for greatness to others who want to achieve it. I’m in a special place in a special time, in a special moment where I’m supposed to be.”
It’s great to have Jarrett back on the field, but more than anything, he needs to deliver on his promise to put the Bears in a position to compete for a championship.
Other Injury News for the Bears
GettyD’Andre Swift #4 of the Chicago Bears carries the ball against the Washington Commanders.
Along with Jarrett, running back D’Andre Swift is also expected to play, according to Rapoport.
Swift, who appeared on the injury report Thursday with a groin injury, should not affect him in the game against the Saints, according to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin.
More injury news is that wide receiver DJ Moore, who was taken in an ambulance and stayed overnight at a hospital due to a groin injury in the game against the Commanders, is expected to play.
Those not suiting up are kicker Cairo Santos (right thigh), linebacker Noah Sewell (concussion), and defensive end Austin Booker, who many expected was going to be elevated off injured reserve (IR) after the news that the Bears released pass rusher Kanoh Kpassagnon.
With the Bears’ lack of getting to the quarterback this season (eight sacks through five games), the hope was that Booker would be back on the field vs. the Saints, but it looks like the team will have to wait another week. Instead, the Bears elevated running back Travis Homer, who was also on IR.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Bears’ Key Defensive Starter is Expected to Play vs. Saints: Report appeared first on Heavy Sports.