The Chicago Bears desperately need reinforcements along their defensive line, and second-year defensive lineman Shemar Turner could be returning at exactly the right time.
With Montez Sweat serving a two-game suspension and Dayo Odeyingbo expected to miss time with a quad injury, Chicago's depth at defensive end is a massive concern. That creates an opportunity for Turner, one of the Bears' second-round picks in 2025, who is preparing to return to the rotation for Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Turner tore his ACL in the Bears' win over the Bengals last year, ending his rookie season after only 74 snaps.
And after navigating a difficult stretch early in his career, the young defensive lineman is ready to be unleashed.
"It's definitely like walking through a dark tunnel," Turner said. "I'm starting to come out on the lighter side of it. But I mean, it's ups and downs."
Turner's return comes at a critical time for a Bears defense looking to rebound from an embarrassing 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Shemar Turner ready to help replace Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo
The Bears entered the season expecting Sweat and Odeyingbo to lead the defensive line. And, through five games, they were.
Now, with both out, Chicago needs contributions from players who might otherwise have had fewer snaps.
Austin Booker is expected to take on a larger role after breaking out with two sacks against Green Bay, but the Bears also need Turner to contribute in the defensive end rotation.
Turner's ready for the job.
"Sure, that's like home for me. It's second nature to me," Turner said of playing defensive end. "I can wake up and just play defense every day. It's just like brushing your teeth, almost. That's how it is for me."
The Bears' defensive line needs that kind of confidence.
Turner knows what's at stake
The opportunity isn't lost on Turner. He understands that injuries and Sweat's suspension have created an opening for him to establish a more meaningful role in Chicago's defense, and it's coming at the perfect time.
He's healthy and ready to play.
"It's definitely an opportunity, a big opportunity that I have right now to go out there and show what I can do," Turner said. "Especially with guys down right now, they do need me.
"So it's up to me to go out there and to prove to my coaches and everybody on this staff, right, that I am a guy, and I can go."
Chicago doesn't need Turner to replace Sweat's production by himself. But they need him to deliver quality snaps, hold up against the run, and contribute to a pass rush operating without two important pieces.
Patience is required, though. Like most players coming off of a torn ACL, he'll be hesitant at first. But once he gains trust in his knee, the Bears could get a boost from a player they valued as one of their top picks of 2025.
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