The Latest Breaking News from Matt Eberflus

It’s not a matter of if the Bears will need their undrafted rookie to step in, but when. At some point, be it this year or next, he’ll have to play. It’s a given in the modern NFL.

Herbert missed the last five games with an ankle injury. Guard Nate Davis, who has missed the last four games with an ankle injury, also will return against the Lions. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is questionable with a knee injury.

Are any of these NFL coaches feeling the heat after lackluster seasons?

Sweat had eight pressures against the Panthers last week, the most by a Bears player in nearly three years. Now he just needs a running mate.

Plus: Who coaches the Patriots if it’s not Bill Belichick; Brandon Staley’s future in L.A.; Texans’ and Vikings’ playoff chances; hot GM candidates and more.

Eberflus can still claw his way out of the job security conversation, but he’ll need something concrete to do so. He’s too far along to be holding up imperceptible progress that isn’t translating to wins.

Davis was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice.

The third-year quarterback will make his return to the starting lineup in a pivotal NFC North matchup.

The bounty Ryan Poles received for the No. 1 overall pick might still be better option — especially with the Panthers’ pick currently No. 1 overall. But the Texans’ success with Stroud rekindles a frustrating lament for Bears fans: What are the Texans doing that the Bears are not?

Usually the Bears have too few offensive linemen. But when Davis comes back, they’ll have three quality guards for two spots.

Just two days after his first practice, Sweat played two games for the Bears in five days.