I’ve gotten some questions regarding the strongside linebacker position, specifically if Geno Hayes is pushing Nick Roach.
At the moment, Roach is running with the starters, and his backup is J.T. Thomas, a sixth-round pick last year who was placed on IR before the season. Brian Urlacher is being backed in the middle by Dom DeCicco, and Hayes is behind weakside linebacker Lance Briggs.
That’s not to say, at some point, Hayes could swing over.
For Thomas, though, he’s just happy to be back on the field.
“It’s just good to be back on the field at full speed, seeing things, getting reps,” he said. “That’s the best experience. Being able to watch and being able to participate are two different things.”
Thomas said last year was the first in 15 or 16 years he hadn’t played football.
“Even when I redshirted back at West Virginia I at least practiced,” he said. “So it was a little weird getting back on the field, knocking the rust off.”
Thoma also understands that contributing on special teams is essential for him. Blake Costanzo, a linebacker primarily signed for his special teams talents, has flashed some positives at linebacker.
