LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- When linebacker Jack Sanborn first joined the Bears in early May, he was just another undrafted rookie hoping to prove himself.
Ever since then, Sanborn has done just that. He made the Bears’ initial 53-man roster entering the regular season, earned key roles on special teams and is now suddenly in line for his first NFL start at linebacker.
Following their trade of star linebacker Roquan Smith to the Ravens on Monday, the Bears have a void to fill. And whenever he's called upon, the 22-year-old Sanborn is ready to step in after showcasing himself.
“(I'm) just somebody that’s going to put his head down, do everything for the team and everything he can to help this team win,” said Sanborn, a native of nearby Lake Zurich.
The Bears (3-5) haven't yet decided how their starting linebacker group will line up against the Dolphins (5-3) on Sunday at Soldier Field. Veteran Nicholas Morrow could shift to the Will position, which was previously occupied by Smith. But Sanborn is also in consideration for that spot, defensive coordinator Alan Williams said. Joe Thomas will also factor in with the group, and newcomer A.J. Klein – acquired from the Ravens as part of the Smith trade – could eventually step in as a starter.
But the Bears are eager to give Sanborn the chance as a starter. He had played just one defensive snap prior to last Sunday against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, where he took some snaps at the Sam linebacker position while rotating with Thomas.
Sanborn has primarily played on special teams. Now comes his opportunity on defense.
"What's there not to like about Sanborn?" Williams said. "He just needs a chance to get on the field and perform."
Sanborn was a standout at Wisconsin, where he earned all-Big Ten honors in 2020. He recorded 230 total tackles, 29 tackles for a loss and 11.5 sacks over 45 games with the Badgers. Despite that performance, Sanborn went undrafted.
The Bears made Sanborn a priority undrafted free-agent pickup after the draft and have gradually given him greater opportunity. On Sunday, he’s expected to take his most important step forward.
Sanborn isn’t changing his approach now as he looks toward a starting role with the Bears.
“A lot goes into it, but it’s definitely an honor right now,” Sanborn said. “But that being said, you got to do more. You got to keep improving each day, keep getting better each day.”
Injury report
The Bears listed safety Eddie Jackson (hip) and cornerback Kyler Gordon (hip) as limited participants in practice Thursday, marking the second straight day for each of them with that designation. Neither injury appears to be of serious concern. Right guard Teven Jenkins (back) practiced in full Thursday after being limited in his work Wednesday. Right tackle Larry Borom hasn't been cleared from the concussion protocol.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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