Chicago Bears rookie defensive back Malik Muhammad has been one of the defense’s bright spots through the first two weeks of the 2026 NFL season.
The rookie defensive back has allowed just five catches on 11 targets for 67 yards. Muhammad’s 14.6 NFL passer rating allowed in man coverage is the third-lowest in the league among cornerbacks with at least 50% of coverage snaps this season.
Muhammad has benefited from Kyler Gordon’s absence, earning the team’s starting nickel cornerback spot this season. Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has been pleased with his progress and that of fellow rookie defensive back Dillon Thieneman, who has started at safety in Chicago’s defense.
Allen told the media on Friday that he wants the rookies to “continue to get better each and every week.” That’s Allen’s objective for the young players in the Bears’ secondary.
How Malik Muhammad could make a difference for Bears in Week 3
Muhammad has shown in his first two regular-season games that he’s improving every week while becoming a playmaker on defense. He recorded his first interception in Week 1 and a sack in Week 2.
He’s made that steady progress while continuing to learn the nickel position and outside corner spot. That could become extremely beneficial for this Week 3 matchup against the Eagles. Tyrique Stevenson is dealing with a hamstring injury and was listed as limited in Friday’s injury report. It will be important to monitor his health as the week continues before Monday night’s game.
If Stevenson is unable to play, that could force Muhammad to the outside cornerback position – the spot he played primarily throughout his college career at Texas. According to Pro Football Focus, Muhammad has played 17 snaps at outside corner this season, with Stevenson missing some snaps because of injury.
The Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback Jalen Hurts will provide a good test for this Bears defense. Philly’s offense has generated seven passing plays that have gone for 20 or more yards this season – tied for the sixth-most in the NFL. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith leads the team with 170 receiving yards and one touchdown on 13 receptions. He caught 10 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown in the Week 2 win over the Titans. Smith was limited in Friday’s practice with a hamstring.
Muhammad gives Allen a versatile piece in his secondary, and the Bears’ defensive coordinator is confident he can get the job done regardless of the position he plays.
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“I mean, look, I think, you know, when we first brought him in, you know, the plan was to dual-train him,” Allen said. “You know, that was the plan. And so we've continued to do that. And so, I think that player's ready for whatever, you know, whatever role is presented in front of him.”
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