Roquan Smith could be out for season with torn pectoral muscle
The Chicago Bears continued their playoff push with a win over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night, but they may have paid a significant price for the victory.
Roquan Smith left the game in the first quarter with an injury, and Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the star linebacker is believed to have suffered a torn pectoral muscle. That would likely end his season.
#Bears star LB Roquan Smith is feared to have torn his pec in last night’s win over the #Cowboys, sources say. If the MRI confirms, it would likely knock Smith, who has really impressed recently, out for the season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 6, 2019
Smith appeared to hurt himself while trying to tackle Ezekiel Elliott on Zeke’s touchdown run early in the game. He was examined in the medical tent before heading to the locker room, and the Bears announced in the second quarter that he would not return.
Losing Smith would be a huge blow for Chicago. The No. 8 overall pick in last year’s draft has 99 tackles, two sacks and an interception this season. There was some concern earlier in the season that he may be dealing with personal issues that impacted his status with the team, but Smith has played extremely well as of late. He has quickly established himself as one of the best linebackers in the NFL.