For a time it appeared like the Chicago Bears pass rush was in dire straits. Lamarr Houston was going on injured reserve and by all accounts linebacker Pernell McPhee would stay on the PUP list. This meant he’d miss the first six weeks of action. Turns out the initial predictions were wrong as the word broke the Bears planned to take their key rusher off the list.
I am told #Bears are taking Pernell McPhee OFF of the physically unable to perform list and he will be on the 53-man roster to open season.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) September 2, 2017
McPhee’s return couldn’t come at a better time. The entire Bears outside linebacker position was ravaged by injuries. Lamarr Houston once again suffered a knee injury and is destined for Injured Reserve. Backups Sam Acho and Dan Skuta are also dealing with ailments and were apparently discussed for trades not too long ago.
It looked like the only reliable guys set to go against Atlanta on September 10th were Leonard Floyd and Willie Young. Not ideal. Now this doesn’t necessarily mean McPhee is a lock for week one either. It might just mean the Bears feel confident he’s not too far off from being healthy enough. He still could miss a game or two. Just not six like it would’ve been had he stayed on the PUP list.
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Everything changes if McPhee is healthy
There’s no denying that the health concerns remain with McPhee but it’s also impossible to argue his value to the front seven. Not only is he one of the best run-defending outside linebackers in the league, he’s also a major shot in the arm to the pass rush. It’s not a coincidence that Floyd had 6.5 of his seven sacks last year when McPhee was on the field. In fact Floyd sacked Aaron Rodgers twice in their first game together.
Question his health all you want, the fact is this man can be a game changer for this defense both as a player and as a leader.
