With Prince Amukamara on the sideline, the Chicago Bears will get to see what they have in Kyle Fuller in Week One
Prince Amukamara has missed practice all week with an ankle injury. The Chicago Bears have yet to deem the veteran cornerback out, but it is a safe assumption to make at this point, especially if he misses practice on Friday. The Amukamara injury should give Kyle Fuller a chance to prove himself.
Kyle Long (ankle) was limited, as was Markus Wheaton (finger) today in practice. Prince Amukamara did not practice.
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) September 7, 2017
Fuller has been competing for starter snaps all preseason. Fortunately for him, Amukamara has been in and out of the lineup all preseason, giving him these chances to shine. He has performed just fine in his limited opportunity so far this season.
For Fuller, this may be his one and only chance. If Amukamara is back into the lineup next week, there is a good chance he still takes Fuller’s spot moving forward.
Fuller is a free agent at the end of next season. The Bears are more committed to Marcus Cooper than Fuller and would prefer Cooper to win the job opposite of Amukamara.
Given Fuller’s free agent status and the idea that he may not start moving forward, this could become a very important game for Fuller. What kind of contracts he will be offered, and what type of leverage he has in these negotiations starts with this game.
Next: Eddie Jackson wins starter job
Look for Fuller to play like his job is on the line on Sunday. If he can make some sort of impact play it would go a long way in helping his future in the NFL.