Bears Safety Jaquan Brisker Exits First Practice After Roster Cuts
The Chicago Bears wrapped up training camp earlier this week and finalized their 53-man roster heading into Week 1 of the NFL season. General manager Ryan Poles and first-year head coach Ben Johnson expressed confidence in the roster they assembled, believing it gave the team the best chance to compete in 2025. Unfortunately, just days after camp ended, one of the Bears’ most important defensive pieces suffered a setback during practice.
Veteran safety Jaquan Brisker was forced to leave Thursday’s session early after sustaining an injury. As of now, details surrounding the severity or exact nature of his ailment have not been disclosed, but the sight of Brisker leaving the field raised immediate concerns for both coaches and fans. For a team hoping to make strides in the new season, losing a starting defender with his pedigree would be a significant blow.
Brisker’s Importance to the Bears
Brisker, a second-round selection out of Penn State in the 2022 NFL Draft, has been one of the most dependable players on Chicago’s defense since entering the league. Over his first two professional seasons, he established himself as a consistent presence in the secondary, surpassing 100 tackles in each campaign. His stat line also includes five sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions—numbers that speak to his ability to impact the game at all levels of the defense.
The Bears have relied on Brisker not only for his physicality but also for his versatility. Whether lining up in the box to support against the run, blitzing off the edge, or dropping back into coverage, he brings a unique blend of toughness and playmaking ability that few safeties possess. That’s why any potential absence would leave a noticeable gap in Chicago’s defensive scheme.
Injury Concerns Linger
The worry surrounding Brisker is heightened by his history of injuries, particularly concussions. Each of the past three seasons has seen him miss time due to head-related issues, raising long-term durability questions. For a player who thrives on aggressive, hard-hitting play, those concerns are difficult to ignore. Fans and analysts alike are hoping that Thursday’s incident is unrelated to those past issues, but until further updates are provided, uncertainty remains.
Who Steps Up in His Absence?
If Brisker is forced to miss time, the Bears will likely turn to safety Elijah Hicks to step into a larger role. Hicks, a seventh-round pick out of the University of California in 2022, does not carry the same experience or reputation as Brisker, but he has shown flashes of potential. In 44 appearances, mostly as a rotational player or special teams contributor, Hicks has tallied 103 total tackles.
While those numbers indicate reliability, the challenge of becoming a full-time starter in Chicago’s defense is another level entirely. Hicks would need to quickly prove he can be trusted as the last line of defense in coverage, while also filling some of the physical presence Brisker provides near the line of scrimmage.
The Road Ahead
For now, all eyes will remain on the Bears’ medical staff and the eventual update on Brisker’s condition. Losing a starter of his caliber right before the season opener would be far from ideal for a team trying to establish momentum under new leadership. On the flip side, the situation could serve as a valuable test for the depth Poles and Johnson worked to assemble during camp.
The Bears are entering the 2025 season with renewed optimism, but football is a game of attrition, and health often defines success just as much as talent. Whether Brisker returns quickly or Hicks is called upon to fill the void, Chicago’s secondary will need to adapt swiftly. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Bears can weather this storm and keep their defensive ambitions intact.