With the Chicago Bears’ secondary depleted by COVID-19, the team was forced to flex a slew of defensive backs to the active roster for Monday night’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Among those is rookie cornerback Thomas Graham Jr., who got the start opposite Kindle Vildor with Jaylon Johnson and Artie Burns sidelined.
Graham, a sixth-round draft selection by Chicago, was a shocking roster cut back in August, although he was re-signed to the practice squad.
Graham made his NFL debut Monday against the Vikings, where he’s gotten off to an impressive start in his first NFL start. Through the middle of the second quarter, Graham had two pass breakups, including one that prevented a Minnesota touchdown, and a beautiful open-field tackle.
.@_TG4__ out there making plays in his first career NFL game! #ProDucks x @ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/kTzenJHhou
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) December 21, 2021
Bears fans are left wondering why it took a COVID-19 outbreak for Graham to finally see playing time this season, especially considering guys like Vildor, Burns and Xavier Crawford have not only gotten playing time but made the active roster over Graham.
