Chicago Bears designate another key player to IR

The Chicago Bears sent yet another key player to injured list on Thursday afternoon.

The Chicago Bears have experienced yet another blow to their roster. Defensive tackle Eddie Goldman has now become the 19th Bears player to land on IR. Goldman was originally injured in week two with a high ankle sprain and didn’t return to action until week 10 against the Buccaneers. Even when Goldman returned, he was clearly held back by his ankle and had to exit multiple games for brief periods of time.

In the 6 games which Goldman played in, he complied 18 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Through two years, Goldman has 40 tackles to go along with 7.0 sacks and a blocked kick.

Goldman’s largest role in the Bears’ defense is a run stopper. The success of linebackers Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan were a direct result of Goldman’s ability to take on and even win double teams at the line of scrimmage. Goldman’s ability to win at the point of attack even made the likes of Shea McClellin look competent as a linebacker. The Florida State product appears to be a mainstay in Vic Fangio’s 3-4 defense as long as he is healthy.

The IR designation is likely more of a precaution than a necessity for Goldman. The Bears are well out of the playoff race and would gain nothing from having one of their bright, young stars tough out the last two games and risk further injury.

Goldman’s absence will leave the vast majority of reps at nose tackle to CJ Wilson. The 7th year veteran out of East Carolina had a big game against Green Bay with 3 tackles and a sack. Wilson will have the last two games as an audition for next year’s squad with no other pure nose tackles on the roster.