The Chicago Bears released their list of inactive players for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, which includes star pass-rusher Khalil Mack.
This will be the first game Mack has missed in his NFL career. Mack has been a testament to durability and excellence throughout his career, as well as his willingness to play through pain. So while it’s good that Mack is getting the week off, it’s probably also fair to think this is a sign of how serious his ankle injury is right now. Mack is an example of what it looks like when the team’s best player is also its hardest worker and most willing competitor, but there are times where even the greatest gladiators need a day off. Today is that day for Mack.
Here is a sample of tweets from beat reporters who had their eyes on Mack during a pre-game workout at Soldier Field:
Wearing white receivers gloves, Khalil Mack (right ankle) is catching passes in the end zone but moving half-speed. Is he warming up? Just having fun? #Bears announce inactives in 15 minutes.
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) October 28, 2018
Mack hasn't done anything even close to full speed since he took the field. He jogged. Stretched. Some light lateral movement. Now just throwing & catching the football. No trainers have been overseeing him.
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) October 28, 2018
Mack is headed back to the locker room. He played catch (and showed off a pretty nice arm) and jogged a little. That was about it.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) October 28, 2018
We’ll keep our ears open for more updates as they are available.
Here is the full list of inactives, which also includes Allen Robinson II (who was not expected to play) because of a groin injury as of early this morning, and Eric Kush (who was ruled out on Friday):
#Bears Inactives vs. New York Jets:
No. 12 Allen Robinson II
No. 31 Marcus Cooper Sr.
No. 46 Michael Burton
No. 52 Khalil Mack
No. 64 Eric Kush
No. 69 Rashaad Coward
No. 97 Nick Williams #NYJvsCHI | #DaBears— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) October 28, 2018