Chicago Bears: Every Position Battle and Who’s Leading
By Erik Lambert
Inside linebacker: Nick Kwiatkoski vs. Roquan Smith
Danny Trevathan was never in danger of losing his starting job. Jerrell Freeman, on the other hand, signed his own death warrant with multiple suspensions the past couple years. Now he’s retired. Nick Kwiatkoski is a former 4th round pick whom the Bears have steadily groomed in a reserve role. He’s had a strong training camp and appears ready to take over as the starter. At least that was the initial hope until the Bears drafted Roquan Smith #8 overall.
Leader: Kwiatkoski
File this one under anticlimactic. Smith hurt his odds from the start when he chose to deliver a contract holdout that lasted all of training camp. When he finally returned he had three preseason weeks left to catch up. Then he suffered a mild hamstring tweak in a recent practice. Now he’s doubtful to play against Kansas City. This all but clears the way for Kwiatkoski to be the starter come opening night in Green Bay.