The four-day Roquan Smith saga appears to be concluding, as the Bears linebacker spoke with the media for the first time since he was a late scratch in last week’s win against the Minnesota Vikings due to personal reasons.
After days that provided more questions than answers from coaches and players alike, Smith spoke on the issue to reporters on Wednesday, indicating he’s fine now plans to suit up when the Bears travel to London to take on the Oakland Raiders.
“I’m good, it was personal, it’s behind me so I’m more so just looking forward to getting better today out at practice and going back to work with my guys,” Smith said.
When asked if he wants to play this week, Smith took it a step further. “I will play this week,” he said.
While Smith says he’s playing on Sunday, coach Matt Nagy kept that decision close to the chest.
“We’ll see,” the coach said when asked about Smith’s availability.
Still, his return to practice and confirmation that the issue is behind him is welcome news for the vaunted-Bears defense.
It may be a long time until we know exactly what was happening with Smith, but for him and the team, the focus can now turn to getting a victory in London and head into the bye week at 4-1.
