We were bummed to see Ha Ha Clinton-Dix start the summer on the physically unable to perform list, but not completely discouraged about the whole ordeal. After all, the Bears did well on the injury front last year by being cautious and conservative with players dealing with nagging issues.
But perhaps his time on the PUP list will not be all that long:
Matt Nagy says he doesn’t have a timeline for Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to come off PUP but says he thinks he’s close. #Bears
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) July 26, 2019
During his Friday press conference, Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy told reporters the team’s starting safety opposite of All-Pro Eddie Jackson that he thinks Clinton-Dix is “close” to getting onto the practice field. Nagy saying he thinks Clinton-Dix is quote is vague and nebulous, but also (un a sense) optimistic. Even though Nagy insists he doesn’t have a timeline for Clinton-Dix’s return, it’s noteworthy that the head coach’s update wasn’t one that hinted at a long-term absence. All things considered, I’m taking this as a positive sign. Hooray for optimism!
Nagy also confirmed Clinton-Dix did not have an arthroscopic procedure after suffering the knee injury at the end of the final practice of OTAs. That also counts as good news from the injury world for the other starting safety. Clinton-Dix signed a one-year “prove it” deal in the offseason. And after watching a whole bunch of safeties cash out big on the free agent market last spring, the 2016 Pro Bowl safety sure has much to prove.
The Bears won’t rush Clinton-Dix back into practice, but the sooner he gets on the field, then the sooner he and Jackson can start working together and building a rapport ahead of the season-opener on September 5 against the Packers.