It’s been a long-time coming for Eddie Goldman.
And if you’re counting at home, the number is 644. As in days that have passed since Goldman last played in a regular-season football game.
Goldman is on the active game-day roster for the first time in 2021. Which means the Chicago Bears nose tackle is likely to make his debut today against the Detroit Lions. Goldman didn’t play in 2020 and was one of the most high-profile opt-outs of last year. He didn’t show up to mandatory mini-camp, but did arrive on time at training camp. Although, that was up-in-the-air as late as early July. But then the summer came, and Goldman was among those who was put on the Reserve/COVID-19 in early August. Goldman was back in 10 days and even made an appearance in the preseason finale. Unfortunately, a knee issue came up during practice leading up to Week 1. That threw us into this cycle again. Here’s hoping that cycle ends starting this week.
It would’ve been nice to have Goldman active and available in Week 1 after he was one of the many NFLers skipping out on last year citing concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic. And that group was missing the man in the middle last week, especially when Cleveland was able to ice the game away on the ground. But better late than never (right?). Hopefully, Goldman’s clean bill of health lasts awhile. No more setbacks, please.
When he’s on his P’s and Q’s, Goldman is one of football’s best nose tackles. Possessing a unique combination of size, strength, and a strong motor, Goldman stuffs rushers, eats up blockers, creates pressure by moving the interior of a QB’s passing pocket, and he even gets sacks every once in a while. So, yeah, welcome back guy! The boys missed ya!
Sure, the Bears did fine in masking Goldman’s absence last year. But it’ll be nice to be at full strength.
Here is the list of Bears incentives:
Inactives for #DETvsCHI: pic.twitter.com/S1n5AFREud
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 3, 2021
More for you later in Pre-Gamin’!