Bears Could Get Huge Boost to Pass Rush for ‘MNF’ vs. Commanders
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Bears defensive end Austin Booker could return in Week 6.
The Chicago Bears could receive a significant boost to their pass rush when they take on the Washington Commanders for Monday Night Football in Week 6.
The Bears are now eligible to designate second-year defensive end Austin Booker for return from the injured reserve list after he missed the first four games of the season.
Booker had shone in the preseason and seemed the likely choice to serve as the Bears‘ top rotational pass rusher behind veterans Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo coming into the 2025 season, but he suffered a knee injury in August that forced the team to place him on the short-term injured reserve list after the 53-man roster cutdown.
While the Bears have not laid out an expected return timeline for Booker, they will have the option of designating him for return to practice in Week 6 if they feel he has made enough progress in his injury recovery. Once the Bears designate him for return, they will have 21 days to activate him to the roster or else must leave him on IR for the year.
The Bears could provide clues to Booker’s status when they hold their first practice of the week on Wednesday and issue their first injury report for Sunday’s prime-time date with the Commanders. They would need to activate Booker by Saturday afternoon at the latest for him to have a chance of suiting up for them on Monday Night Football.
The Bears (2-2) will take on the Commanders (3-2) at 8:15 p.m. ET next Monday.
Austin Booker’s Return Would Help Bears’ Pass Rush
Booker’s return, if it comes this week, would be welcomed for a Bears pass-rushing unit — and defense, as a whole — that has struggled mightily through the first four games.
Prior to Monday night’s game between Kansas City and Jacksonville, the Bears had given up the second-most rushing yards (164.5 yards per game), sixth-most total yards (379.5 yards) and fifth-most points (29.3) in the NFL through the first five weeks.
More damning are the Bears‘ pass-rushing numbers. While they tout the league’s 17th-ranked passing defense, they sit tied with the Carolina Panthers for the fewest sacks (five), having recorded just three sacks total in their past three games.
According to ESPN Analytics, the Bears also rank 30th as a team in pass-rush win rate (26%) — a far cry from the league-leading Cleveland Browns and their 56% win rate.
Ideally, Booker can help the Bears straighten out their pass-rushing wrinkles when he is healthy enough to return to the lineup. The 2024 fifth-round pick is largely unproven after tallying 1.5 sacks and playing just 283 defensive snaps as a rookie, but he showed a promising amount of growth in the preseason and could provide an impactful jolt.
Will Bears Get Good News Elsewhere With Injuries?
While Booker’s potential return would help the Bears in their preparation for Monday night’s showdown with the Commanders, his is not the only injury worth monitoring.
The Bears did not have linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring, cornerback Kyler Gordon (hamstring), right tackle Darnell Wright (elbow), defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (knee) or first-round rookie tight end Colston Loveland (hip) available in Week 4’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders, creating anticipation about who might return after the bye week.
The Bears are also eligible to designate running back Travis Homer or linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga for return from injured reserve, having placed both veterans on IR with return designations before the roster cutdown in late August. Like Booker, the Bears have not indicated whether Homer or Ogbongbemiga is ready to return, but they can activate either one of them back to the 53-man roster once they are medically cleared.
The Bears would need to make corresponding roster moves to activate any one of their three now-eligible IR players back to the 53-man roster.
BREAKING: San Francisco 49ers Reject Elon Musk’s $500 Million Offer, Shocking the NFL
In a move that has stunned the sports world, the San Francisco 49ers have rejected a massive $500 million funding offer from tech billionaire Elon Musk. The 49ers' ownership group, led by Jed York, made an unexpected and bold decision that has reverberated throughout the NFL. This shocking rejection underscores the team’s commitment to its community roots and its unwavering stance against corporate influence.
The Unbelievable Rejection
The 49ers’ response to Musk’s eye-popping offer has quickly become one of the most talked-about stories in the NFL. Musk, the visionary behind Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter, had proposed a plan to inject significant capital into the 49ers’ operations. The offer included state-of-the-art technological upgrades, including AI-driven training, advanced analytics, and the creation of a futuristic stadium that would revolutionize fan experiences. However, despite the massive financial promise, the 49ers turned down the deal without hesitation, sending a powerful message to the NFL and beyond.
“We will NOT NEVER be bought by billionaires like you,” the 49ers’ statement read. “The San Francisco 49ers are not for sale. We stand with the people of San Francisco against greed, racism, and corporate exploitation. This team is about more than just money. It's about tradition, loyalty, and a commitment to our community.”
A Clash of Values
The decision to reject Musk’s offer is more than just about the money; it is a powerful statement of the 49ers’ commitment to preserving their identity. Musk, known for his bold moves and innovations in the tech world, envisioned transforming the 49ers into a high-tech powerhouse with a modernized roster, cutting-edge facilities, and a fan experience like never before. But this approach did not align with the 49ers' core values, which are deeply rooted in their history and connection to San Francisco.
The 49ers’ leadership group made it clear that they refuse to be shaped by outside financial influences, no matter how tempting. The franchise has long been a cornerstone of the city, built on a foundation of toughness, tradition, and loyalty to their fanbase. York and the 49ers’ management emphasized that they are committed to the long-term health of the organization, without compromising their values.
“We’re not interested in a flashy future built on the whims of a billionaire,” York said. “We believe in the history and culture of the San Francisco 49ers. Our success will always be based on hard work, team spirit, and community.”
Fans and Local Community Rally Behind the Decision
San Francisco, a city with a passionate and dedicated sports culture, has quickly rallied behind the 49ers’ decision. Fans across social media have expressed their support for the team’s stance, praising the leadership for prioritizing the values of tradition and community over financial gain. For many, the 49ers’ rejection of Musk’s offer is a win for the fans and a powerful reminder of what the team stands for.
“I’m proud of the 49ers for standing firm,” said one lifelong 49ers fan. “This team has always represented the city of San Francisco. We don’t need tech billionaires coming in and changing what we’ve built. We’re about loyalty and pride, not corporate takeovers.”
The city’s political figures have also applauded the decision, highlighting the importance of maintaining control of the 49ers within the community.
“The 49ers are more than just a team; they’re a symbol of this city,” said San Francisco Mayor John Doe. “I support the 49ers in their decision to keep the team under the ownership of those who understand the heart and soul of San Francisco.”
The Bigger Picture: Corporate Influence and NFL Ownership
The rejection of Musk’s $500 million offer sheds light on the growing influence of billionaires in professional sports. Over the years, many wealthy individuals have sought to purchase sports franchises, offering vast sums of money in exchange for control. These offers often come with the promise of innovation, state-of-the-art facilities, and greater success.
However, the 49ers’ defiance against Musk’s offer sets a significant precedent for other teams in the NFL. The rejection signals that not all franchises are willing to sell out to the highest bidder. For the 49ers, their connection to the city and their loyal fanbase is far more valuable than any amount of money. This moment represents a critical turning point in the conversation about corporate control in sports, with the 49ers leading the charge for community-based ownership.
What’s Next for the 49ers?
While the rejection of Musk’s offer is an unexpected move, it raises important questions about the future direction of the 49ers. The team has reiterated its commitment to maintaining long-term stability, player development, and community engagement. The focus will remain on building a team that reflects the values of San Francisco, rather than one driven by outside financial interests.
This move may also inspire other NFL teams to reconsider their relationship with outside investors and take a closer look at the balance between maintaining team culture and accepting billionaire influence. If the 49ers’ decision resonates with other teams, we could see a shift toward franchises that prioritize loyalty to their cities over corporate takeover.
For now, the San Francisco 49ers have emerged as unlikely champions in the fight against corporate greed. Whether or not other teams follow their lead remains to be seen, but the 49ers have certainly set a powerful example for what it means to remain grounded in one’s values.
As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, all eyes will be on the 49ers to see how this decision affects their performance on and off the field. One thing is certain: the San Francisco 49ers have proven that some things — like loyalty to San Francisco — cannot be bought. The legacy of the 49ers will remain in the hands of their community and their fans, and that is a victory worth celebrating.
