As the Chicago Bears returned to practice following the bye week, there was one player that was perhaps more eager than anyone to get back on the field.
Wide receiver Taylor Gabriel, who missed two games, was cleared from the concussion protocol and was a participant in Monday’s practice.
Gabriel said that was the hardest he’s ever practiced as he’s been eager to rejoin his teammates and get back on the field.
“I’ve been seeing (Allen Robinson) score all his touchdowns and make all his plays,” Gabriel said Monday. “I’m just excited to be here. I’m excited to get back out there. I’m excited to run. I’m excited to catch a ball. I’m excited to finally talk to (the media). I’ve been walking around you guys like a ghost.”
Before Gabriel suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter of Week 3’s game against the Redskins, he had a breakout performance. He caught three second-quarter touchdowns from quarterback Mitch Trubisky and led the Bears in receiving with 75 yards on six receptions.
Gabriel was the first Bear to score three touchdowns in a single quarter since Gale Sayers in 1965. But Gabriel wasn’t able to enjoy it because he suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter.
“It was weird, man, because they tell you to stay away from your phone (when you’re injured),” Gabriel said. “But I mean, after three touchdowns, I want to be on my phone. I want all the love. I just want it. You know what I mean? It was crazy. To sit out for two to three weeks, it sucked. But like I said, I’m excited to be back and I’m excited to make plays for this team.”
The last time Gabriel played, the offense was at its best, particularly in the passing game. It’s that spark that Gabriel is eager to contribute to in his return.
“To just make big plays and just bring a spark,” he said. “Not just saying me bringing a spark back to this offense. But me being out there giving that speed element of us going downfield.”
