LONDON — Bears linebacker Roquan Smith is expected to start Sunday against the Oakland Raiders after missing last week’s victory over the Vikings for personal reasons.
“I feel good about that unless there would be some type of setback. He’s had a good week,” Nagy said following the Bears’ practice Friday at Allianz Park in North London. “We like where he’s at, and we feel good about that. Hopefully nothing changes between now and then.”
Smith’s status for the game had been in greater doubt following the Vikings game. But Smith said “I will play this week” on Wednesday. Even then, Nagy wouldn’t commit to that on Wednesday. But Nagy said Friday he feels good about Smith’s situation heading into Sunday’s game against the Raiders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
“It’s always good,” Nagy said. “You want all your players to be in a good place and doing good things and that just happens to be where that is with him right now.”
Elsewhere on the Bears’ status report, defensive end Akiem Hicks (knee) is questionable and will be a game-time decision, Nagy said. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky (shoulder) was officially ruled out. Wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (concussion), reserve guard Ted Larsen (knee), defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (hand) also are out. Reserve linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe (hamstring) is doubtful.
