Chicago Bears: 6 players whose expectations are still uncertain
By Liam Fox
4. Kevin Toliver – Will he be able to take over for Artie Burns?
Kevin Toliver is one of a few Bears’ cornerbacks who will be battling to start across from Kyle Fuller in the other boundary corner spot. That opportunity was created when Prince Amukamara was cut following last season due to his bloated contract and due to this week’s major injury to free-agent acquisition Artie Burns.
Tests today showed that Bears’ CB Artie Burns tore his ACL, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2020
Burns tore his ACL in practice this week while practicing with the first-team defense. Toliver has two years under his belt with the Chicago Bears — including two starts — which may give him an edge over rookie Jaylon Johnson to start the season. That being said, Toliver has averaged only about 15 percent of the team’s defensive snaps the last two seasons and has been picked on at times in coverage.
Related Story. Free agents who deserve tryouts to replace Artie Burns. light
Johnson has a lot of hype surrounding him entering the year and could find himself seeing the field more as the season goes along but a veteran player could win out early on, especially considering the condensed training camp.
With Amukamara gone and Burns out for the season, the Bears are suddenly looking thin at corner. Toliver will be someone who will see the field more in 2020 and needs to contribute.