Chicago Bears Add Reinforcements For Defensive Line

The Chicago Bears took two brutal blows to their defensive line in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday. Rookie 2nd round pick Shemar Turner tore his ACL, ending his season. In addition, Dominique Robinson suffered a high ankle sprain. He’s expected to miss multiple weeks. It stinks for Robinson particularly because he’d been having a pretty good season. Now the team must figure out how to plug the gaps. It appears they’ve gotten started on that on Tuesday with a new addition.

Tom Pelissero reported they’ve signed veteran defensive end Jonathan Garvin to their practice squad. He was a 7th round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2020 after a solid career for the Miami Hurricanes. He played sporadically during his first three seasons, collecting 1.5 sacks in 2021. He has not played in an NFL game since 2023. It’s pretty clear the Bears view him purely as depth, which isn’t a surprise considering Austin Booker was just activated from Injured Reserve.

The question is whether the Bears add anybody else.

The Chicago Bears may need one more addition.

Garvin was always considered a project coming out of college. He possessed the size and physical traits that teams sought in a pass rusher. There were always questions about his consistency and his motor. Those concerns proved accurate. More than anything, he alone doesn’t cover what the Bears have lost. While Booker should be able to handle the pass rush in the absence of Robinson, the bigger concern is the run defense. Robinson and Turner were both solid contributors in that department.

Garvin won’t be any help there. That is why it’s possible the Chicago Bears might make another move in the near future. DeMarcus Walker is still available. Bringing him back might be a wise decision. While an adequate pass rusher, he was a strong run defender. It will be something to monitor as the team prepares for a big game on Sunday in Cincinnati.