With the Chicago Bears eliminated from playoff contention, these final two games will serve as a stepping stone for the 2020 season. This means some meaningful playing time for some of the younger players that are perhaps playing for some starting jobs next season.
One of those players is second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver, who has relieved an injured Prince Amukamara, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury suffered against the Detroit Lions in Week 13.
With Amukamara questionable for Sunday’s game against the Chiefs — and his future with Chicago also questionable, considering he’d be a $10 million cap hit next season and only cost $1 million in dead money — Toliver recognizes the opportunity in front of him in these final two games.
‘‘I feel like every day is an audition,’’ Toliver said. ‘‘It’s a day-to-day business, so you’ve got to come to work every day with the same mindset — the dog mindset. That’s all I come in here with, just to get 2 percent better every day.’’
Toliver has seen that progress from himself this season. After getting his second career start against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14, Toliver split snaps with Amukamara last week against the Green Bay Packers. Toliver played 31 snaps compared to Amukamara’s 28. The on-field experience has definitely helped the former LSU product.
‘‘I just have more confidence on the field now,’’ Toliver said. ‘‘Last year I was a little timid. I wasn’t sure if they were going to do that or the other team was going to do this. The game’s starting to slow down for me. I can see the whole field now. I just feel way more comfortable out there.’’
Bears coach Matt Nagy sees the benefit of Toliver getting additional reps, but he prefers to worry about next season, well, next season.
‘‘It’s good for both [players],’’ Nagy said. ‘‘For a guy like Kevin Toliver, getting some reps is good for him. It’s a great opportunity for him. So we’ll just balance that with where Prince is at, where Kevin’s at and then just see where it’s at for all of us.’’
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