The Chicago Bears announced on Friday that they have released pass rusher Tanoh Kpassagnon.
Kpassagnon, 31, was brought in this offseason from the New Orleans Saints due to his familiarity with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s scheme. In four games, he totaled five tackles, one sack, and two quarterback hits.
With the Bears’ lack of pass rush early in the season, this move may seem like an odd decision from the team, but it’s likely signaling the return of a key member of the Bears’ pass rush, DE Austin Booker.
Bears Release Tanoh Kpassagnon, Likely Making Room for the Return of Austin Booker
The likely reason why the Bears brought in Kpassagnon in the first place was due to Booker’s knee injury, which placed him on injured reserve (IR).
Now that Booker is officially listed as questionable for this week’s matchup against the Saints, he will likely be elevated to the 53-man roster and take Kpassagnon’s place.
Booker had a standout preseason with four sacks before suffering the knee injury. He was slated to be a key pass rusher behind Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo, who have failed to meet expectations so far.
Sweat and Odeyingbo have a combined output of just two sacks, along with two roughing the passer penalties. Not good.
With Booker likely coming back, it’s good news for the Bears’ pass rush that desperately needs fresh energy.
Comments on Booker
GettyChicago Bears pass rusher Austin Booker #94.
Allen is optimistic about what Booker will bring to the Bears’ pass rush, but understands that actions speak louder than words.
“Now we’ve just got to get him to a healthy enough spot where he can get out there and play games, and then we’ll be able to see what he can do,” Allen said. “I’ve seen signs that say he can impact the game, in particular from a pass rush standpoint.
Booker also commented on his time away, saying, “It was super frustrating.”
“But you’ve got to trust the process, trust everything happens for a reason, and work hard to get back on the field — and that’s what I did.”
Ben Johnson believes adding Booker back on the squad will be a huge boost for the Bears.
“You felt the pass rush there, particularly in the game setting,” Johnson said. “I saw it in practice and the joint practices as well. He was a guy that was able to affect the quarterback. …That’s really where I saw Booker making the biggest impact there in the preseason.”
Booker isn’t a superstar pass rusher like that of Myles Garrett or T.J. Watt, but he is a vital piece of this Bears’ defense, and the hope is he’s back on the field this Sunday against the Saints.
Bears Release DE Tanoh Kpassagnon, Signals Key Roster Move