Tight End Limbo, Trubisky Could Rise, Bennett Moves On, Legendary Linebacker Passes, and Other Bullets

The Chicago Bears lost an all-time great on Thursday with the passing of linebacker Joe Fortunato:

Fortunato was on the Bears’ 1963 NFL Championship team and was one of the many great linebackers in team history. He played alongside Dick Butkus and Bill George, while also serving as a veteran mentor for a young Doug Buffone when their careers crossed paths.

Fortunato earned five Pro-Bowl nominations and was a three-time All-Pro who played 155 games for Chicago from 1955 to 1966. After retirement, he was a linebackers coach in 1967 and the team’s defensive coordinator in 1968. Fortunato, who passed at age 87 on Thursday, is a member of National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, as well as the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

  • Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times writes that the Bears’ depth at tight end could be tested if Sims can’t make it to the field on Sunday. With Zach Miller out of action, Sims was expected to see an up-tick in playing time. Of course, he’ll need to be healthy first. Sims missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, putting his status for Sunday’s game in question.
  • If Sims can’t go, that would leave Adam Shaheen, Daniel Brown, and newly promoted Ben Braunecker as the Bears’ active tight ends. Not quite what your offense needs with Mitch Trubisky desperately searching for capable pass-catching targets. Shaheen has been snubbed from the passing game for most of the year, and that could be the case again if Brown gets an extended look from the coaches again. It’s worth pointing out that Brown’s 13 passing snaps in Week 8 against the New Orleans Saints were more than Shaheen’s (9) even though Brown received fewer overall snaps.
  • Even though Aaron Rodgers won’t be under center for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Larry Mayer of the Chicago Bears’ official website writes the Bears aren’t taking Brett Hundley lightly. Nor should they. It’s been five weeks since Case Keenum stepped in for an injured Sam Bradford on Monday Night Football, pulled the rug from under the Bears defense, and led the Minnesota Vikings to a Week 5 victory.
  • I would make the case that Hundley is more dangerous than Bradford or Keenum because of the weapons around him. Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Davante Adams are all capable receivers who would step into the Bears’ locker room and take over No. 1 receiver responsibilities immediately upon arrival. Ty Montgomery and Aaron Jones are serviceable running backs who have the ability to make big plays. Yes, the Bears are favored and have a stout defense that has forced eight turnovers in the team’s last three games. But if that group isn’t forcing turnovers, Hundley is a threat to be a not-so-pleasant surprise.
  • On the other side of the ball, the Bears’ offense could stand to be a little more aggressive. Over at CBS Chicago, Chris Emma writes the team could be in a position to step on the gas with Trubisky under center. Drops and throwaways have conspired to cut into Trubisky’s completion percentage, but it’s not as if the rookie isn’t at fault. Some misses and forced throws have led to the two costly interceptions on his record, and those types of throws simply can’t happen if the Bears are going to pull through and beat the Packers at Soldier Field for the first time since 2010.
  • Meanwhile, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune explains how some new-look formations and the addition of motion to some plays could help move the Bears’ passing offense in the right direction. Trubisky might be limited at receiver, but it’s up to Offensive Coordinator Dowell Loggains to make the most out of the situation and put his quarterback (and his receivers) in the best possible spot to be successful. After a bye week, Loggains could stand to be a bit more creative and loosen things up for an offense that needs a spark. Perhaps something simple as a receiver or tight end in motion could aid in Trubisky’s progress in his fifth start.
  • At least Trubisky will have some new targets, starting with receiver Dontrelle Inman expected to make his Bears debut and Markus Wheaton, who was a full go at practice for the first time since suffering a groin injury four weeks ago.
  • It’s been a wild week for Martellus Bennett, who was cut by the Packers for failing to disclose an injury. Bennett has since been claimed by the New England Patriots, where he thrived working with Tom Brady and a Super Bowl winning offense. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports Bennett had a torn rotator cuff, but that hasn’t kept the tight end from hat Bennett reported to Patriots camp and passed his physical — despite having a torn rotator cuff.
  • Over at PackersWire, Zach Kruse tries to connect the dots in what looks like Bennett orchestrating his departure from Green Bay. Even though the story is far from complete, and truly nothing short of a mystery, it’s quite strange how this played out for Bennett only after Rodgers went down with an injury putting a serious dent in the Packers’ playoff hopes and after the trade deadline passed without movement.
  • After watching Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman go down with a ruptured Achilles that will cost him the rest of the season, you can understand why Doug Baldwin isn’t a fan of Thursday Night Football:
  • written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

    Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

    Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

    There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

    Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

    Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

    Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

    Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

    Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

    I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

    Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

    When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

    Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

    It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

    Latest News

    Suns vs. Thunder Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder (50-22) are 2.5-point underdogs against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns (43-30) Friday, March 29, 2024 at Paycom Center. The game starts at 8:00 PM ET on KSBI. The matchup's point total is...

    Brewers vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

    The New York Mets (0-0) host the Milwaukee Brewers (0-0) in an Opening Day contest at 1:40 PM ET on Friday.The Brewers will call on Freddy Peralta against the Mets and Jose Quintana.Brewers vs. Mets Pitcher Matchup and Game InfoWhen:...

    Cavaliers vs. 76ers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Philadelphia 76ers (39-34) are 8-point underdogs against the Cleveland Cavaliers (44-29) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday, March 29, 2024. The game starts at 7:30 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup's point total is set at 212.5.Our computer predictions...

    Heat vs. Trail Blazers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Portland Trail Blazers (19-54) will attempt to end an eight-game losing streak when they visit the Miami Heat (39-33) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at FTX Arena as heavy, 14-point underdogs. The contest airs at 8:00 PM ET on...

    Rockets vs. Jazz Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Utah Jazz (29-44) will try to end a seven-game losing streak when they host the Houston Rockets (37-35) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Vivint Smart Home Arena as 7.5-point underdogs. The contest airs at 9:30 PM ET on...

    Bulls vs. Nets Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Chicago Bulls (35-38) hit the court against the Brooklyn Nets (28-45) as 5.5-point favorites on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup has an over/under set at 214.5 points.Before you place an informed wager...

    Suns vs. Thunder Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder (50-22) are 2.5-point underdogs against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns (43-30) Friday, March 29, 2024 at Paycom Center. The matchup begins at 8:00 PM ET on KSBI. The point total is set...

    Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Minnesota Timberwolves (50-22) are 6.5-point underdogs when they host the Denver Nuggets (51-22) in a battle between the top two teams in the Western at Ball Arena on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9:00 PM ET on ALT. The...

    Knicks vs. Spurs Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The New York Knicks (44-28) will try to continue a three-game win streak when they visit the San Antonio Spurs (17-56) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at AT&T Center as big, 10-point favorites. The game airs at 8:00 PM ET...

    Kings vs. Mavericks Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Dallas Mavericks (43-29) will look to Luka Doncic (first in the league scoring 33.9 points per game) when they try to beat De'Aaron Fox (eighth in the NBA with 26.5 PPG) and the Sacramento Kings (42-30) on Friday, March...

    more bears news