Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman addresses lack of playing time

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Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman addresses lack of playing time

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 5, 2026 2:08 PM ET

Dillon Thieneman watched most of the Chicago Bears’ Week 4 win over the New York Jets on the sideline. While not being on the field could be frustrating to others, the rookie safety knew it was for a good reason. He addressed his lack of playing time during a postgame interview.

The Bears defeated the visiting team 23-12 at Soldier Field. They improved to 3-1 for the season and won back-to-back games despite playing without Caleb Williams. The star quarterback remains sidelined due to the hamstring injury in suffered in Week 2 versus the Minnesota Vikings.

Thieneman finished with zero tackles on seven attempts. However, his presence changed routes for receivers as his speed and route-reading were on full display in earlier matchups. Tyson Bagent led the way on offense by completing 25-of-34 passes for 268 yards. He was named the QB1 despite Case Keenum’s impressive performance in Week 3.

Chicago Bears defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) speaks during Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall.

Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman opens up on being on the sideline for majority of Week 4 game

Thieneman acknowledged the offense’s efforts as the unit dominated the Jets defense. The visitors’ time of possession in the fourth quarter was only 45 seconds. It resulted to him being on the sideline more than expected, but he emphasized that he’s happy with the result.

“It felt a little weird just kind of chilling on the sideline for a lot of it,,” Thieneman said. “End of the game, I’m always staying ready, but they were able to get that first down and kind of seal it out there.”

Dillon Thienemen on being on the Sideline Majority of the Game:

“Yeah, it felt a little weird just kind of chilling on the sideline for a lot of it. End of the game, I’m always staying ready, but they were able to get that first down and kind of seal it out there.”

Offense dominated.

— Bears on Real (@BearsOnReal) October 4, 2026

Chicago will turn its focus to its Week 5 clash against their rivals, the Green Bay Packers. It’s the first of the two-game road trip as the team will next face the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium the following week. Thieneman likely won’t mind being on the sideline more gain the upcoming games as long as his team wins. Williams’ status is unclear, and Bagent could once again start in his place.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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