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With uncertainty surrounding Bears outside linebacker Robert Quinn’s status for Sunday’s game against the Bucs, second-year pro Trevis Gipson could play an even more significant role.
Quinn remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list, and he’d had to be cleared by Saturday in order to play Sunday against Tampa Bay. If Quinn can’t go, it’ll be Gipson starting opposite Khalil Mack, which presents another big opportunity for Gipson.
“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.”
Gipson, who has recorded 2.0 sacks this season, said he’s grown more confident between his rookie season and now.
“The more reps I’ve gotten in this preseason and the beginning of this season is just giving me more and more faith that I can dominate this game,” Gipson said. “Overall, that’s a goal of mine that I want to achieve.”
Gipson is learning from some of the best in the game in Mack and Quinn, and he’s praised them for how they’ve helped in his development.
“They’ve helped me get to where I am now,” Gipson said. “They’ve seen my progress from last year to this year. So, it’s good seeing it pay off, but there’s a lot more work to be done. They always critique me in the film room. There are plenty of things that they help put on my plate and help me get done.”