The Chicago Bears are reeling from their blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in more ways than one. Unfortunately, they’re going into Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers down a crucial player.
According to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, Bears pass rusher Khalil Mack is not expected to play this week. Per the report, he is dealing with a foot injury and will be taking the time to rest.
But there are talks being had that could sideline Mack for even longer. Rapoport noted that Mack could be placed on injured reserve, which would sideline him for three weeks as he rehabs.
Khalil Mack is one of the NFL’s elite pass rushers. He has 6.0 sacks and seven QB hits through seven games this season. His sack total is tied for seventh in the league and is the most on the team.
The Chicago Bears defense has been one of the few things keeping them in games this season. Their offense ranks near the bottom of the league, but the defense ranks in the top half.
Over the last two weeks though, the entire team has struggled and they’ve gone from a 3-2 team with playoff ambitions to a 3-4 team rapidly falling out of contention.
The Bears are home underdogs against the 49ers this week. Their performance against the Buccaneers is a big reason for that. But their odds are going to fall even more after this news.
Can the Bears beat the 49ers this Sunday?