Good news for the Bears’ defense
The Chicago Bears rolled out their Week 2 inactive list, and while six names made the cut, the big takeaway was who didn’t. Defensive lineman Grady Jarrett is officially active against the Detroit Lions, easing concerns after a week filled with uncertainty.
A sigh of relief
Jarrett was limited in practice and only got reps in on Friday, leaving fans and analysts guessing about his status. Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs spotted him warming up with trainers and coaches before kickoff — a clear sign the Bears were leaning toward giving him the green light.
Not at full throttle, but still a factor
Jarrett may not be 100%, and it’s possible the Bears put him on a snap count to manage his workload. That said, his presence alone is a huge lift for a defense that struggled at times last week against Minnesota. Expect Andrew Billings and the rotation to help carry the load if needed.
Stronger defense for Week 2
With Jaylon Johnson and T.J. Edwards also back in the mix, this Bears defense is closer to full strength than we’ve seen in a while. If Jarrett can clog the run lanes and apply pressure up front, Chicago’s chances of slowing down Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense improve dramatically.