Bears rookie safety Jaquan Brisker had surgery this week to repair a right thumb injury he suffered in the team’s first preseason game, a source confirmed to the Sun-Times on Saturday night. Head coach Matt Eberflus said he’s “hopeful” that the projected starting strong safety will return in time for the team’s season opener Sept. 11 against the 49ers.
Brisker hurt his thumb against the Chiefs on Aug. 11 but didn’t feel the injury until he woke up the next morning, Eberflus said.
“You know, sometimes you wake up with these hand injuries and it just shows up,” said Eberflus, who offered no firm timetable to return. “It feels like you just kind of tweaked it a little bit — and all the sudden the next day there it is.”
Bears coaches have praised the Penn State alum since the team drafted him in the second round. He’s played with the starters since his arrival, with the team hoping his knack for takeaways and comfort level in the defense made him a natural fit at the strong safety.
Brisker was the last Bears rookie to sign his rookie contract, doing so the day veterans reported for training camp.
DeAndre Houston-Carson started in Brisker’s place Thursday in Seattle.
