A Bears defense playing without starting cornerback Prince Amukamara got even thinner after the first drive Thursday night, when Roquan Smith left the game. The team said the second-year inside linebacker injured his pectoral muscle in the first quarter, and would not return.
Smith had been playing his best football of the season. He had a career-high 15 and two sacks against the Lions on Thanksgiving. Only two players in NFL history had ever done the same.
Smith was injured during the Cowboys’ 17-play, 75-yard drive to start the game. The possession, when ended with a two-yard Ezekiel Elliott touchdown run, lasted an astounding 8:57.
He was replaced by veteran Kevin Pierre-Louis.
The Bears were already playing the game without inside linebacker Danny Trevathan and defensive linemen Akiem Hicks, who have injured elbows. Hicks is expected to return from his dislocated left elbow next week against the rival Packers.
