Getty Chad Henne #4 of the Kansas City Chiefs slides under the tackle of Jaquan Brisker #9 of the Chicago Bears during the first half of the preseason game at Soldier Field on August 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears second-round safety Jaquan Brisker didn’t play in the team’s second preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, and now we know why.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus met with the media on August 20 after practice and revealed Brisker had a hand injury with no timetable for his return. Shortly after Eberflus spoke, however, NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed the rookie safety recently had surgery on his thumb, and should be ready to go for the team’s Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers on September 11.
#Bears impressive rookie safety Jaquan Brisker recently underwent surgery to repair a thumb injuey, source said. It’s been fixed now and Brisker has a real chance to be ready for Week 1.
Brisker stood out early in camp, but has been sidelined the last few days.
The injury bug has been biting the Bears frequently this preseason, as Brisker’s fellow rookie, center Doug Kramer, suffered a Lisfranc injury that ended his season before it began. Linebacker Matt Adams also left the Bears’ preseason game against the Seahawks with an injury, and fullback Kari Blasingame was spotted on the sideline with a cast, as Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic captured via Twitter.
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Brisker Got the League’s Attention in His Debut vs. Kansas City
Brisker had four tackles (three solo, one for loss) to go with a pass breakup in 25 snaps in Chicago’s 19-14 preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The young safety impressed fans and the coaching staff alike, flying to the ball and making play after play.
Jaquan Brisker is FLYING AROUND today 😯💥
After Brisker’s debut, Eberflus was asked for his thoughts on the team’s new playmaking rookie. “The tackling,” Eberflus said. “Deflecting the ball, I think he should have had maybe a takeaway or two. He was high-energy. Man, he likes to hit. I really liked that aggressive style for him, how he’s playing right now.”
A standout for three years at Penn State, Brisker has a chance to establish himself as one of the best young rookie defensive backs in the league — but he’ll have to stay healthy for that to happen. Hopefully, this is just a hiccup, and Brisker will be ready to make life difficult for 49ers quarterback Trey Lance Week 1.
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What Does Bears Safety Room Look Like in Wake of Brisker Injury?
All-Pro Eddie Jackson is the team’s starting free safety, of course, and behind him on the depth chart are longtime role player DeAndre Houston-Carson, rookie Elijah Hicks and undrafted rookie A.J. Thomas.
Behind Brisker at strong safety are free agent acquisition Dane Cruikshank, a hard-hitter coming over from the Tennessee Titans, and another free agent, veteran Davontae Harris.
Brisker’s absence could provide both Hicks, a 2022 seventh-rounder out of the University of California, and Cruikshank, who has just four starts over his four-year NFL career, with more opportunities to impress. Hicks flashed a bit in Chicago’s second preseason win over the Seahawks, amassing five total tackles (four solo), while scoring a special teams touchdown on a muffed punt:
Special teams stays ready 💯
📺: #CHIvsSEA on ESPN
This could have been far worse for Brisker and the Bears, who are 2-0 so far in the preseason.
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