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As the Bears prepare to face one of the NFL’s best offenses, they’ll be without one of the league’s top pass rushers in Robert Quinn, whose 5.5 sacks ranks ninth in the NFL.
Quinn was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list earlier this week, and he wasn’t cleared in time to make the trip to Tampa.
Khalil Mack and Quinn have anchored one of the NFL’s best pass rushes, as Chicago has totaled 20 sacks this season. Mack and Quinn have combined for 11.5 sacks, making them the league’s best pass-rush duo. So Quinn’s absence is certainly a big hole on this defense — and it doesn’t help they’ll have to contend with Tom Brady and the high-powered Bucs offense.
That means it’ll be second-year pro Trevis Gipson getting the start opposite Mack, where he’ll look to continue his development. Gipson has totaled 2.0 sacks this season, and he’ll have plenty of opportunities on Sunday to add to that.
“The expectations are what they are,” Gipson said. “I’m going to keep playing with confidence, keep playing with a chip on my shoulder. As far as the opportunity, it’s another one that’s given to me, and it’s another one that I plan on taking advantage of.”
While the Bears are certainly going to miss Quinn, who’s been one of their best players this season, they have a wealth of talent on defense that will be expected to step up in his absence.