LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The recent subtractions of Jeremiah Ratliff (released) and Ego Ferguson (injured reserve) further tests the depth of the Chicago Bears' defensive line that already lost projected starting end Ray McDonald in the offseason.
“Everything is concerning,” Bears head coach John Fox said. “We haven’t been healthy all season. We lost our quarterback for a game-and-a-half. We’ve been through a variety of offensive linemen, a variety of receivers. I like where we are right now as far as our depth and the people we have available.”
Here is a quick glance at the six defensive linemen currently available on the roster.
Jarvis Jenkins: In his first season with the Bears, Jenkins already has career-highs in sacks (3.5) and tackles-for-loss (four). Jenkins has emerged as one of Chicago’s leaders on defense after spending 2011-14 with the Washington Redskins. Jenkins is a prime candidate to receive a contract extension at the end of the year.
Eddie Goldman: The 2015 second-round pick has appeared in all six games with three starts. Known primarily as a run-stopper at Florida State, Goldman has 1.5 sacks and three tackles-for-loss on the year.” I think Eddie’s done a good job,” Fox said. “I think our personnel staff did a great job in selecting him. I think our staff has done a good job coaching him up. I’ve seen steady growth for a young player and I think he’s got a bright future.”
Ziggy Hood: Joined the Bears last week after playing in 96 games with 46 starts over six seasons on Pittsburgh (2009-13) and Jacksonville (2014). Hood has made 164 career tackles, 12.5 sacks 17 tackles-for-loss and 24 quarterback hits. “He’s got a lot of skins on the wall,” Fox said. “He’s played a lot in this league at a high level. I did him coming out way back when he was a rookie. Once healthy -- I think he’s pretty far along in that process -- I think he’s a front-line defensive lineman.”
Will Sutton: Sutton’s promising second season stalled when he suffered an elbow injury that caused him to miss games versus Oakland and Kansas City. A former third-round draft choice, Sutton has eight tackles (based on coaches’ review) and one quarterback pressure in four appearances in 2015.
Mitch Unrein: The veteran defensive lineman arrived in Chicago on Sept. 25 after the Chargers released him. Unrein has seven tackles and one quarterback pressure in four games with the Bears. He played for Fox in Denver from 2011-14. Unrein is expected to play a larger role on defense now that Ratliff is no longer on the team.
Bruce Gaston: Signed with the Bears on Oct. 17 after appearing in two games with Green Bay in 2015. Inactive in Week 6. Played high school football at St. Rita High School in Chicago.
