The Chicago Bears became the Monsters of the Midway because of their powerful defense. However, defense is not currently Chicago’s strong suit, and it would really help if the Bears could get 2025 second rounder Shemar Turner back.
Turner played in five games during his rookie season and had two tackles for loss. However, in Chicago’s Week 8 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Turner suffered a torn ACL which kept him out for the rest of the year. Since he is still recovering from this injury, he was not able to fully participate in training camp and will start this season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
After the Bears finalized their current 53-man roster, general manager Ryan Poles provided an update on when Turner will be able to
return this season.
"I just had a conversation with him and our performance team. He’s trending in a really positive direction,” Poles said. "He’s already doing position work off to the side. We’ll simulate some individual and practice type things to get him prepared mentally, physically and his endurance needs to continue to improve. He’s working his butt off. I would imagine him being back at some point here when he gets through this little last phase of his rehab.
"Then from there, like we talked about, these guys will get Weeks 3 and 4 to start practicing before they’re actually active to go. Knocking that rust off and becoming a football player. Starting to get that short area quickness and really being able to react and have the instincts come back, especially playing defensive line where you’re getting hit from every different direction. Just knocking the rust off, getting the instincts going. When that happens, it’ll be great. We’ll get him back out there, but I’m not exactly sure when that all is going to come together."
Especially after trading away Gevon Dexter, who was the Bears' second round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Chicago needs everyone they have available on the defensive line since this was a position of concern last season.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ryan Poles provides an injury update on Bears DL Shemar Turner
