Roquan Smith never returned to the Bears’ Week 17 loss to the Packers after suffering an elbow injury in the early going.
Nevertheless, there is hope he can suit up for Sunday’s playoff game against the Saints.
Optimism from Bears Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano:
Chuck Pagano on Roquan Smith: "We're still holding out hope." #Bears
— Mike Berman (@MikeBermanNBC) January 7, 2021
Smith did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, per the Bears’ first injury report of the week. Or to put it differently, Smith wouldn’t have practiced had the Bears done more than a walk-through on Wednesday. And yet, Pagano is still (publicly, at least) holding on to hope he plays in Sunday’s playoff game.
I can’t blame Pagano if he’s wishing upon a star hoping Smith can play. Smith posted a Pro Bowl caliber year and played at an All-Pro level throughout the year. The 23-year-old linebacker came away with 139 total tackles (98 solo), 18 tackles-for-loss, 4 sacks, 7 passes defended, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and one recovery in his 16 games. Smith took a major leap in Year 3 as a pro, setting all sorts of career-bests and entrenching himself as a leader on the defense. Playing without Smith would sting and put a major dent in the Bears’ chances of taking down the Saints.
We’ll keep tabs on Smith’s situation as details arise whenever the updated injury report is shared.