Nothing has come easily for the Bears this season, when it seems as though a new starter is sidelined every week. Not only are they up against future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady on Sunday, but now they might have to play him and the Buccaneers without outside linebacker Robert Quinn.
Quinn’s tremendous comeback season is on hold after the Bears put him on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday following a positive coronavirus test.
Teams don’t disclose players’ vaccination statuses, but Quinn seems to be vaccinated based on his not wearing a mask for news conferences at Halas Hall. If that’s the case, he’s eligible to return once he has two negative tests 24 hours apart. That would give him a chance to play against the Bucs.
The Bears will need him. His resurgence has been essential to that of the pass rush as a whole. He’s currently ninth in the NFL with 5 ½ sacks — fellow linebacker Khalil Mack is sixth with six — and the Bears lead the league with 21.
Last season, after signing a five-year, $70 million contract, Quinn contributed just two sacks.
The Bears made a few other personnel moves Tuesday, including putting backup safety and special-teamer Deon Bush on injured reserve after he hurt his quadriceps against the Packers. Bush, who has played 44% of the defensive snaps and 62% of the time on special teams, will miss at least three games.
and is eligible to return in Week 11 against the Ravens.
The Bears filled his roster spot by promoting cornerback Teez Tabor from the practice squad. Tabor was a second-round pick by the Lions in 2017 but hasn’t appeared in a game since 2018.
The Bears also signed long-time Washington running back Chris Thomp-son to their practice squad and held workouts for seven special-teams players, including former Notre Dame punter Tyler Newsome.
