Outside linebacker Robert Quinn took the first step toward making his Bears debut when he practiced on a limited basis Wednesday.
Quinn missed the season opener against the Lions with an ankle injury. He was limited or inactive in team drills for much of training camp as part of a “ramp-up” after dealing with a personal issue. Now it’s just a matter of being healthy.
“[He’s] a really good football player that we can’t wait to get back,” outside linebackers coach Ted Monachino said. “I don’t believe conditioning will be an issue.”
With Quinn out, the Bears’ pass rush was generally ineffective against the Lions. Akiem Hicks had the only sack, though the Bears had five quarterback hits.
The Bears had no injuries in the Lions game — a particularly noteworthy event considering the Lions lost starting cornerbacks Desmond Trufant and Justin Coleman to hamstring injuries in the second half to fuel the Bears’ fourth-quarter rally.
Khalil Mack was limited with a knee injury. He was the only other player limited by injury. Tight end Jimmy Graham and wide receiver Ted Ginn were given a veteran’s day off.
Peanut on HOF ballot
Former Bears cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman was nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time Wednesday.
Tillman is one of 130 players nominated for the 2021 modern-era class. Linebacker Lance Briggs and center Olin Kreutz also were nominated.
Tillman’s Hall of Fame candidacy has picked up steam since he retired in 2015 after his lone season with the Carolina Panthers — in part because of an appreciation for his “Peanut Punch” that changed the way defensive players force fumbles.
Tillman had 42 of his 44 career forced fumbles, 36 of his 38 career interceptions and all eight of his defensive touchdowns in his 12-year career with the Bears (2003-14).
Bears cut Saubert
The Bears cut tight end Eric Saubert to make room for kicker Cairo Santos on their 53-man roster. With Eddy Pineiro on injured reserve with a groin injury and out for at least three games, Santos was 2-for-2 on field-goal attempts against the Lions.
Saubert, a Hoffman Estates product from Drake, caught two passes for 21 yards last season.
Bears lose Rashad Smith
The Bears lost veteran guard Jamon Brown and impressive undrafted rookie linebacker Rashad Smith from their practice squad when both players were added to 53-man rosters. Brown was claimed by the Falcons. Smith was claimed by the Cowboys.
Smith, from Florida Atlantic, flashed at training camp and was considered a practice-squad player to watch.
The Renaissance Man
With Quinn out, backup outside linebacker James Vaughters played 35 snaps against the Lions and made a key play in the fourth quarter when he stopped Kerryon Johnson for a two-yard loss that led to a Lions punt.
“James is one of those renaissance guys that does a lot of things really well,” Monachino said. He prepares as well as anybody in our building. He’s always a little bit ahead of it because he prepares so well.”
