Bears Mailbag -- Concerned About Eddie Goldman's Absence From Minicamp?

The Chicago Bears’ minicamp concluded last week and, by many accounts, it was a resounding success. Except for Eddie Goldman’s (unexcused) absence, all players were present and participating as best they could. We covered some of it in our latest Club Dub episode:

HOLD YOUR HORSES! Bears to the Burbs? https://t.co/b06V7FGGbR

— ✶ Sports Mockery ✶ (@sportsmockery) June 18, 2021

The Bears now have roughly six weeks before training camp, and Justin Fields plans to report two weeks early to train and settle in. That’s great news.

With that, let’s reach into this week’s Bears Mailbag. Follow me on Twitter @DhruvKoul to continue the conversation.

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Bears Mailbag

I would be lying if I said no. Matt Nagy didn't seem to think his reasoning was COVID-19 related, which he held out of last year for, but he may have his reasoning with some teammates not vaccinated yet.

He apparently has remained in good shape, though, so that part is good.

— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) June 23, 2021

Extra note: The Bears did sign DL Mike Pennel to a deal — he played for Kansas City last season and was a fan favorite. A strong run-stuffer, he would fill a need for sure if the Bears are without Eddie Goldman again (hopefully that’s not the case). With Pennel, Khyiris Tonga, and even Bilal Nichols able to contribute at NT, the Bears at least have some (better) depth to handle Goldman’s absence, if needed.

For now, the Bears have just submitted a bid to inspect the property. The Bears are still several years away from any sort of move away from Soldier Field. We'll have to see.

— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) June 23, 2021

Ridley has a tough chance to make the roster. There are likely to be six WR spots, and I'm thinking the following guys (at least) are ahead of him:

Robinson
Mooney
Goodwin
Newsome
Byrd
Miller

— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) June 23, 2021

By all accounts, Cole Kmet has developed into a major headache for the Bears' defense, and that means he'll be a headache for every defense. I want to see him with pads on, but it's certainly a great development.

If it's true, he will look good regardless of which QB plays.

— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) June 23, 2021

The two sides have until July 15 to settle on a deal. After that, they can't negotiate until after the season. Based on Robinson's comments at minicamp, I am not optimistic.

— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) June 23, 2021