LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The NFL’s decision to expand practice squads around the league to 10 players increases the likelihood that Thursday’s preseason finale in Cleveland won’t be the end of Jordan Lynch's association with the Chicago Bears.
Preseason opportunities have been limited for Lynch. The former Northern Illinois star and Heisman Trophy finalist is supposed to see time on offense and special teams at Browns Stadium.
“I expect you'll see quite a bit of him [Lynch],” Bears head coach Marc Trestman said. “I'm sure he'll have an opportunity to carry the football, to do a little bit of what he did a couple of games ago when he got a couple of reps and did very well running the football. So it'll be a good opportunity for him to get out there and show what he's learned and how he's improved over the last month of playing a completely new position. That'll involve pass protection as well, you know this is a team that brings the blitz, so he'll have an opportunity to get in the pass protection as well, and catch some balls outside the pocket and stuff like that. I'm excited for him and his opportunity.”
Lynch carried the ball seven times for 24 yards in the preseason opener, but hasn’t touched the football in the last two games. He played five snaps on special teams versus Jacksonville on August 14.
“It's a very exciting week, now I get to actually go out there and kind of showcase my talent,” Lynch said. "I’m really excited. I'm prepared for this and I just love football. I get a chance to go out there fly around and have fun.
“I just focus on playing. That's all your guys' job, trying to figure that whole thing out. I just go out there and play and just have fun.”
NFL rosters must be reduced to 53 players by Saturday afternoon. Clubs may establish a 10-man practice squad on Sunday.
