The story that continues to dominate the Chicago Bears news cycle is Roquan Smith’s absence from the team. Just prior to last Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, Smith was declared out due to personal reasons.
When asked about his absence following the game, coach Matt Nagy refused to divulge any further information.
Since then, fans and media have speculated what exactly is going on with the second-year pro. ESPN’s Dan Graziano recently reported the team is giving Smith time away from the team as he deals with an issue that has likely been lingering for a week.
But after practice on Tuesday, some of Smith’s teammates assured the media they’re not too worried about his absence.
“(I’m) probably not as concerned as you guys,” inside linebacker Danny Trevathan said, according to Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times. “I’m just here to work and have my guy back.”
Added outside linebacker Khalil Mack: “It’s in-house, we know he’s going to get better and we look forward to him getting back out there with us.”
There are innumerable scenarios Mack could be alluding to with his comments, but the point is that Smith’s teammates seem comfortable with what’s going on and clearly want him back on the field.
There is no timetable for Smith’s return, and an explanation for his absence is unlikely to come anytime soon. ILB Nick Kwiatkoski will once again get the start at linebacker with Smith likely missing Sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders.
