The Bears are facing that exact challenge now after Goldman, 26, chose to opt out of playing in 2020 due to health concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic. From coach Matt Nagy to assistant coaches and teammates, Goldman has received unrelenting support from the Bears, who are also focused on how best to fill his void at nose tackle.
Defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano envisions the team rotating several of its defensive linemen in at nose tackle.
"It's an opportunity for all those guys," Pagano said. "Bilal (Nichols), Roy (Robertson-Harris), Brent Urban, (Abdullah Anderson). Luckily, we've got good depth.
"We're going to miss Eddie, but like (Nagy) said, totally respect and understand his decision. And so we support him 1,000%. We all get it."
Veteran nose tackle John Jenkins is also a player who will be in the Bears' rotation, defensive line coach Jay Rodgers said.
Goldman informed the Bears of his decision to opt out last week, well ahead of the deadline of 3 p.m. Thursday. Veteran safety Jordan Lucas also opted out. No other players from Chicago's roster opted out before the deadline passed Thursday.
Rodgers is hopeful Goldman can still be part of the team in some capacity this season, even if it's not as a player. Rodgers isn't sure if or how NFL rules would allow Goldman to participate.
"I want to keep him involved in some way, shape or form," Rodgers said. "Eddie is still part of this team.
"I want to keep him involved as much as we possibly can."