Hopes were high for Austin Booker coming into this season. He flashed serious potential at times last year despite his limited snaps. He looked great in training camp this summer and was almost unblockable in the preseason. The Chicago Bears appeared to finally have that speed rusher they desperately needed to complement Montez Sweat. Then Booker suffered a knee injury. There wasn't much deliberation. He was placed on injured reserve, meaning he'd miss the next month of action.
Well, that month came and went. Booker still hasn't appeared. Many felt this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints was finally his time. The Bears waived defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, which felt like a signal that Booker would be activated. Instead, running back Travis Homer was. No Booker again. That was the first red flag that something might seriously be wrong with the second-year edge rusher. Despite practicing for two weeks, the Bears have not activated him. That leaves only one more in the 21-day window. Otherwise, he will be shut down for the year.
Booker's situation makes the Chicago Bears' plans obvious.
One way or another, they must add to the pass rusher at some point in the near future. Their last chance to do so in a meaningful capacity is the November 4th trade deadline. If they elect to pass, it all but guarantees they'll go hunting for help in the 2026 draft. That may not seem fair to Booker, who has worked his tail off to show everybody he can play. Unfortunately, he's succumbing to the harshest truth in all of sports: the best ability is availability. The Chicago Bears won't keep giving him opportunities if he isn't reliable. If this knee injury is more serious than feared, it alters any plans they may have had for the defensive end spot.
We will know where things stand next week. If Booker remains out, don't be surprised if the Bears make a countermove on the trade market.
