The Chicago Bears defeated the Cleveland Browns 21-20 on Saturday night to end the preseason a perfect 3-0. It was all the more encouraging considering Chicago’s starters played the first half, including quarterback Justin Fields.
But one starter who didn’t suit up against the Browns was star linebacker Roquan Smith, who called off his “hold-in” last week. Head coach Matt Eberflus said earlier in the week that Smith was expected to play in the preseason finale. But Smith wasn’t in uniform during warm-ups.
After the game, Eberflus told reporters that Smith felt “some tightness” during pre-game, which is why the team opted to hold him out. With his hold-in and “tightness,” Smith missed the entire preseason.
Still, Eberflus isn’t concerned about Smith getting no preseason reps.
“No. This guy’s a good player, real good player, and he’s played a lot of football,” Eberflus said. “…It’s like (Robert Quinn). They’ll be ready to go.”
Bears LB Roquan Smith felt "some tightness" in pre-game, per Matt Eberflus.
Concerned about no preseason snaps for him?
Eberflus: “No. This guy’s a good player, real good player, and he’s played a lot of football… It’s like [Robert Quinn]. They’ll be ready to go.”— Jason Lieser (@JasonLieser) August 28, 2022
Other notable starters who didn’t play against the Browns included defensive end Robert Quinn, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, safety Eddie Jackson and safety Jaquan Brisker.
Brisker is sidelined with a thumb injury. Meanwhile, Eberflus explained Johnson had some tightness, Jackson is day-to-day and Quinn was just a healthy scratch.
