Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is Jonah Jackson's injury and will he play Thursday against the Patriots?
Jonah Jackson left the Bears' win over the Falcons with a hip issue and was declared week to week by head coach Ben Johnson. While he's unlikely to go on Injured Reserve, there's a strong probability he'll miss Thursday Night Football against the New England Patriots.
Who is Luke Newman and why is he expected to start for the Bears?
Luke Newman is a 6th round pick from the Bears' 2025 draft class who has largely been the forgotten man behind Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney. With Jackson out, Newman is expected to start at right guard Thursday against the Patriots after stepping in Sunday and helping the team score a game-clinching touchdown.
Why didn't Luke Newman play more earlier in the season?
When Joe Thuney shifted to left tackle after Ozzy Trapilo's knee injury in the playoffs, most expected Newman to slide into the guard spot, but the Bears went with journeyman Jordan McFadden instead. The reasoning given was that Newman, as a rookie, had logged most of his practice reps at right guard rather than left guard.
What has Luke Newman's performance looked like in limited snaps this season?
In 29 pass blocking snaps this season, Newman has allowed just 1 pressure, which is an encouraging sign for a mostly untried young guard. His run-blocking has been serviceable, though it isn't considered a strength of his game.
Who will Luke Newman have to block against the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football?
Newman will face the Patriots' interior defensive line duo of Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, who combined for 5.5 sacks and 19 QB hits last season. New England is also 9th in the league against the run this season, making it a tough assignment for the largely inexperienced guard.
Erik Lambert
I’m a football writer with more than 15 years covering the Chicago Bears. I hold a master’s degree in the Teaching of Writing from Columbia College Chicago, and my work on Sports Mockery has earned more than twenty million views. I focus on providing analysis, context, and reporting on Bears strategy, roster decisions, and team developments, and I’ve shared insight on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and football podcasts in the U.S. and Europe.
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