Twenty-five days after the Chicago Bears reported to training camp, Roquan Smith joins the party.
The Bears’ star linebacker is practicing with his teammates:
All right! It ain’t much. But it’s not nothing. And ultimately, that Roquan is back in action is wonderful news for the Bears.
Smith, 25, has been a “hold-in” throughout the duration of training camp. It began in July with him refusing to participate in training camp until his contract demands were met. Since then, the saga has taken various strange turns. There was a stint on the PUP list, trade request, removal from the PUP list, someone purporting to represent Smith actively seeking a trade partner on Smith’s behalf, and more. It’s been wild. And even though it isn’t necessarily over (there’s still no word on an extension), news of Smith getting on the practice field is welcome with open arms in these parts.
I mean, who am I to say no to a top-100 player and someone one NFL coordinator calls the best overall linebacker in football joining the Bears?
This, coupled with newfound optimism on the possibility of an extension, has me feeling good vibes. I guess a 2-0 preseason doesn’t hurt matters either. Giddy up!