Bears rookie expected to have major role vs Vikings

The Chicago Bears are expecting to start rookie cornerback Terell Smith tonight against the Minnesota Vikings after ruling out fellow rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.

Stevenson popped up on the team's injury report following Saturday's practice and was listed as a limited participant with an ankle injury.

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus stated on Saturday while speaking with reporters that Stevenson tweaked his ankle while practicing out on the turf and was evaluated to determine the severity of the injury.

It's since been confirmed that the injury will indeed knock Stevenson out of the starting lineup on Monday night, opening the door for Smith to take his place. Smith has started just two games during his rookie season entering Week 12.

Smith played extremely well for a rookie cornerback during the first few weeks but unfortunately missed Weeks 6-10 while dealing with mononucleosis. The fifth-round rookie returned in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions and played a total of 13 defensive snaps.

Smith has been targeted 17 times and has allowed nine receptions for 115 yards with two pass break ups in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus. Smith's 52.9 reception percentage is the 2nd-lowest on the team behind Jaylon Johnson (among Bears defenders with 10+ targets). He also has allowed the fifth-lowest passer rating in coverage on the team (74.4).

The Bears coaching staff has raved about Smith all season long and believes he's ready for the higher workload and expectation against the Vikings.

"Terrell's looked good all the way back into training camp," Eberflus said on Saturday. "He's mature beyond his years, he takes things in stride, he takes coaching really well and he really soaks everything in. He's technique sound, fundamentally sound and he's got really good speed. We like his size, being able to play him against bigger receivers and he does a good job against those guys."

The Bears have had to rely heavily on Stevenson and Smith in the secondary this season, which can be a lot of pressure for two rookie cornerbacks trying to find their way during their first NFL season.

"When you play corner in the NFL is a rookie, they're gonna highlight you and they're gonna come at you for the first half of the season to test the water and see what it's like," Eberflus said.

The two rookies have handled the transition perfectly, although Stevenson has been faced with more growing pains along the way due to his larger role. Stevenson has played 85% of the team's defensive snaps in 2023 and has consistently been tasked with guarding opposing team's top weapons.

"The growth of Tyrique has been really good," Eberflus added. "He's had some battles. He's lost some of those battles and he's won a good portion of those. The biggest thing with him is that you have to learn, right? You have to keep learning and put it into your file so you become a better pro."

Smith will be forced to step into those battles and face a similar experience in place of Stevenson on Monday Night Football. Smith will be starting on the perimeter alongside Johnson with nickel corner Kyler Gordon operating out of the slot. 

Smith will be tasked with covering a fellow rookie playmaker in Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison and potentially All-Pro Justin Jefferson who could possibly make his return from the injured reserve in Week 12. Smith has learned the most important aspect of playing the position as a rookie by watching Stevenson this season, especially during the five games he missed.

"[Stevenson] plays one play at a time he just flushes the play and goes to the next one. Good, bad or indifferent," Eberflus said. "That's where you gotta be as a corner, you gotta have a short memory and then just keep moving. Every single week and every single down it's a different set of people you're covering, and everybody puts a different set of circumstances in front of you in terms of their skill level."

Smith will be playing a critical role for the Bears defense in this game, and his performance could likely determine the outcome of the entire game for better or worse. We'll see how the rookie handles getting tossed into the fire in front of a national audience.