Health has become a huge factor in the decline of the Chicago Bears defense over the past month. Khalil Mack remains out with a foot injury. Akiem Hicks has battled various leg-related issues. Eddie Jackson is battling a hamstring problem. Jeremiah Attaochu was already lost for the season with a torn pectoral. The unit is having trouble keeping their starters on the field and it's telling on the scoreboard.
Now yet another core member appears done for the season. The Bears announced on Friday that Danny Trevathan, their longtime linebacker and locker room leader, will be going on Injured Reserve. This marks the second time it has happened this season, meaning his year is done. While it isn't clear what the reason for the move is, one can surmise it's further complications with the knee injury he suffered earlier this year.
A tough loss for an already ailing unit.
It has been a rough year for Trevathan. He never looked like himself once the knee issue surfaced. Appearing in five games, he managed just 19 tackles. His lack of speed was especially apparent. Opponents picked on him in coverage, connecting on 4-of-4 passes for 27 yards and a touchdown. His decline was felt biggest against the run. Not having Trevathan's range and tackling prowess at full strength really showed up in the Chicago Bears' inability to stop the run the past two months. With him out, the starting job now belongs to veteran Alec Ogletree. It was pretty much like that already since Trevathan could barely play extended snaps. The timing of this is unfortunate what with Chicago preparing to play Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray. Having a healthy Danny would've been big for those matchups. It will be interesting to see how Roquan Smith continues to handle the responsibilities of being the vocal leader in the defensive huddle.
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