Jack Sanborn Remains The Starting Strongside Linebacker
Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (ankle) remains the team's starting strongside linebacker, according to head coach Matt Eberflus. Sanborn wasn't able to practice all spring while recovering from an ankle injury he suffered last December, but the Bears remain hopeful that he'll be ready for the start of training camp in late July. In Sanborn's absence during offseason workouts, rookie fifth-rounder Noah Sewell got repetitions with the starting base defense and impressed the coaches. Sanborn, 22, ended 2022 on Injured Reserve and finished with 64 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in 15 games played. He moved into a full-time role after the Bears traded away Roquan Smith last year. Sanborn averaged 11 tackles per game when healthy and should be on the IDP fantasy radar.
The Chicago Bears will place rookie linebacker Jack Sanborn (ankle) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, which will end his 2022 season. Sanborn became a full-time starter in his first NFL season in Week 9 for the Bears after they traded All-Pro Roquan Smith away, and Sanborn will finish the year with a very respectable 64 tackles (50 solo), five tackles for loss, three QB hits, two sacks and a fumble recovery in 14 games (six starts). The Bears will need someone to step up in Sanborn's absence over the final three regular season games. The 22-year-old Sanborn's solid rookie season will likely earn him a substantial role heading into his second NFL season in 2023.
