The news surrounding Chicago Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mack was grim this morning as NFL Network insiders Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport reported the star pass rusher would be out this weekend and possibly placed on injured reserve.
Mack has been playing through a foot injury over the last few weeks and the report indicates the Bears want to give him time to rest up for the next few weeks. But according to head coach Matt Nagy, nothing has been decided when it comes to Mack possibly missing games.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday morning, Nagy said the team is “working through everything” in regards to Mack and that “there’s been absolutely no decisions made” as far as his status for this week and beyond goes.
Bears HC Matt Nagy on reports that the team would shut down Khalil Mack this week and perhaps for a couple games after:
"There's been absolutely no decisions made." #Bears
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) October 27, 2021
Mack has played in every game this season, but has missed most of the team’s practices over the last few weeks while dealing with his injury. It’s fair to assume that same plan will be in place this week at minimum, with more information about his availability coming on Friday or Saturday. The former All-Pro has had another superb season, totaling six sacks and one fumble recovery.
It still might be a longshot for Mack to play this weekend when the Bears welcome the San Francisco 49ers to town, but if he misses time, Trevis Gipson and Sam Kamara would see increased reps, while Charles Snowden could get the call up from the practice squad.
The Bears are also currently without Robert Quinn, who is still on the reserve/COVID-19 list, and Jeremiah Attoachu, who is out for the season with a torn pectoral.
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