Oct 11, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) scores a touchdown against Chicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman (31) during the game. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers USAToday Network via IMAGN images

Bears Rookie Stock Report After Week 5

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jobe Morrison | Last updated Oct 14, 2026 11:00 AM ET

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The Chicago Bears are preparing for their Week 6 matchup in Atlanta as they look to bounce back from a rough Week 5 loss in Green Bay. Both sides of the ball struggled, leaving Chicago with plenty of work to do before its next contest. The team’s rookie class also experienced some notable movement in its early-season stock.

The Bears haven’t deployed their entire rookie class just yet, but several first-year players have earned meaningful snaps. Chicago’s secondary had a particularly difficult afternoon against the Packers, while one rookie receiver saw increased playing time despite the disappointing loss.

Here’s a look at which Bears rookies saw their stock rise or fall after Week 5.

STOCK DOWN: Dillon Thieneman

The Bears’ secondary endured a difficult day against Green Bay, and Thieneman struggled alongside his teammates. He had been outstanding through the first four games and was quickly emerging as one of the defense’s rising stars.

However, the Packers tested the rookie early and often. Thieneman faced four targets, allowing three receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown.

It was a significant step back for a player who had made an impressive start to his NFL career. He’ll look to rebound against Atlanta in Week 6.

STOCK DOWN: Malik Muhammad

Oct 11, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) stiff arms Chicago Bears cornerback Malik Muhammad II (24) on a long first down reception in the third quarter. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers USAToday Network via IMAGN images

After a strong start to the season, Muhammad took a step backward against Green Bay as the entire Bears secondary struggled. Through his first two games, he allowed just eight receptions on 18 targets for 112 yards. On Sunday, however, he surrendered six receptions on six targets for 124 yards.

It was a brutal afternoon for the entire Bears defense, but the performance was especially disappointing for the fourth-round rookie after his promising start.

Muhammad will need to put the rough outing behind him and work toward regaining his early-season form.

STOCK UP: Zavion Thomas

Oct 11, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Niemann (31) tackles Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (13) on a long kickoff return during game Sunday at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers USAToday Network via IMAGN images

Don’t take this as gospel, but Thomas finally saw a little more action on Sunday. The rookie logged a career-high 15 snaps in the Week 5 loss to the Packers.

He finished with one reception for 11 yards. It wasn’t a monumental performance by any stretch, but the increased playing time gave the third-round pick an opportunity to take a small step forward.

Thomas still has work to do to carve out a consistent role in Chicago’s offense, but earning more snaps is an encouraging development as the Bears continue to evaluate their rookie class.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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