Bears OLB Robert Quinn named NFC Defensive Player of the Month

Bears outside linebacker Robert Quinn was leaving the sauna at Halas Hall on Thursday morning when someone stopped to congratulate him. He didn’t know why.

Quinn soon found out that he’d been named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for November. Playing in only three games last month, Quinn still had 5½ sacks — half his season total. He had 3½ sacks against the Ravens, one short of the franchise record set by Richard Dent twice in 1987.

In a lost Bears season, Quinn’s resurgence has been a rare highlight.

“It’s good to have this month,” he said. “Let’s see if we can have people say the same thing next month. It’s all about consistency.”

The Bears signed Quinn to a five-year, $70 million deal last year, but he had the worst season of his career with only two sacks in 15 games.

“From last year, [I’m] just trying to redeem myself, personally,” Quinn said. “That was a disappointing season. And this year, I just try not to let the unnecessary weight or negativity weigh me down.”

He’s the third defensive player to win the award under coach Matt Nagy. Outside linebacker Khalil Mack and safety Eddie Jackson won the award in 2018.

Kyler on pace

Cardinals star quarterback Kyler Murray remains on pace to make his first start since spraining his left ankle Oct. 28. For the second straight time, he was limited in practice Thursday.

“Obviously, he presents as a really good leader on tape,” defensive coordinator Sean Desai said. “There’s not many mistakes happening. He’s got command of the offense. He can obviously beat you with his arm strength and with his feet.

‘‘He’s becoming, in my opinion, a much more patient passer in the pocket, where he’ll scramble to throw. And it’s dangerous because as a coverage guy, you’re kind of nervous. Is the guy gonna throw it or is he gonna run it?”

Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who also hasn’t played since Oct. 28 because of a hamstring injury, was limited in practice for a second consecutive day.

Injury report

Inside linebacker Roquan Smith, who hurt his hamstring against the Lions, did not practice for a second straight day and seems unlikely to face the Cardinals on Sunday.

Five others sat out for the second time this week: defensive lineman Akiem Hicks (ankle), defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (ribs), running back Damien Williams (calf) and wide receivers Allen Robinson (hamstring) and Marquise Goodwin (foot, ribs).

Hicks, who was hurt against the Steelers, and Williams were ruled out of last week’s game a day in advance. Edwards was ruled out on game day.

Jimmy Graham took a veteran’s day Thursday. He usually does so Wednesdays, but practiced Wednesday because fellow tight end Cole Kmet was out. Kmet was upgraded to a limited participant Thursday because of a groin injury.