The Chicago Bears fielded a top-10 defense in 2017 and expectations for 2018 may be even higher for a unit that is returning almost all of its key starters.
One of the few offseason additions on defense was outside linebacker Aaron Lynch, who defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has familiarity with during his time in San Francisco and who he hopes will emerge as a pass-rushing complement to Leonard Floyd.
Unfortunately, the Bears have yet to see what that pairing looks like during training camp. Lynch remains sidelined with a bum hamstring. He, along with Danny Trevathan, who's also battling a hamstring issue, missed Monday's practice.
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Other Bears to sit out include rookie LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe, LB Kasim Edeball, TE Ben Braunecker and rookie CB Kevin Toliver.
Chicago's linebackers have been beaten up by injuries so far in camp, something that may have contributed to the release of undrafted rookie OL Jeremi Hall. It's unlikely the Bears will keep that roster spot open and they could look to add another linebacker to the training camp roster.
Kyle Long and Allen Robinson were given scheduled rest/maintenance days. Both key starters are recovering from injury and will continue to be monitored throughout the summer.