The Chicago Bears had plenty to feel good about with their victory on Sunday over the Atlanta Falcons. Caleb Williams was excellent in his return from injury, throwing for over 300 yards and a touchdown. Kyler Gordon was unstoppable, notching 3 sacks in just 17 total snaps. They once again looked like a team ready to compete in the playoffs. However, not everything went their way. Injuries struck again. This time, it was right guard Jonah Jackson, who’s been playing at a Pro Bowl level, leaving with a hip issue.
Head coach Ben Johnson declared him week to week. While it’s unlikely he goes on Injured Reserve, there is a strong probability he will miss Thursday Night Football against the New England Patriots. This means the Bears are likely to turn to Luke Newman as their starter. The former 6th round pick has often been the forgotten man of that 2025 draft class, stuck behind Jackson and Joe Thuney. He stepped in on Sunday after the former went down and played well, helping the team to a game-clinching touchdown.
Jonah Jackson being out gives Newman and the Bears a big opportunity.
General manager Ryan Poles and the coaching staff were drawn to the Michigan State product for his excellent athleticism and durability. They felt he was a perfect fit for their outside-zone rushing scheme. He also had lots of versatility, able to play any of the three interior positions. Unfortunately, he hasn’t gotten many chances to play. He only logged 75 snaps last season, the vast majority coming on special teams. The 27 snaps he played Sunday after Jackson went down were the most he’s played in a game in his career.
It was confusing for many that it took this long. After Ozzy Trapilo injured his knee against Green Bay in the playoffs, the Bears were forced to move Joe Thuney out to left tackle. Most expected Newman to slide into that guard spot. Instead, they went with journeyman Jordan McFadden. The reasoning given was that Newman, who was a rookie, had logged most of his practice reps at right guard. There aren’t any excuses anymore. Jonah Jackson being out leaves that right guard spot wide open. Newman has been preparing for almost two years for this moment.
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Newman faces an unenviable task.
The Patriots defense is among the toughest in the NFL. Much of that comes from their excellent interior defensive line of Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. That pairing combined for 5.5 sacks and 19 QB hits last season. New England was 6th in the league against the run. This season has been much of the same. They have 3 sacks and 7 QB hits combined. The Patriots are 9th against the run. Blocking that duo is asking a lot of a mostly untried young guard like Newman.
What limited action he’s seen offers hope. In 29 pass blocking snaps, Newman has allowed 1 pressure. His run-blocking, while not a strength, has been serviceable. The Bears don’t need him to be a world-beater. Just don’t get steamrolled. If Newman can put together a strong showing on Thursday night, he may have a future as a starter once Thuney or Jackson decides to retire.
