The Chicago Bears played their sixth straight game without safety Jaquan Brisker in the lineup in Week 12 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Still, Brisker took to social media to send a short message to anyone questioning his value amid his extended stint on the sidelines following a three-play, 67-yard touchdown drive by the Vikings.
Jaquan Brisker Deletes Post During Bears-Vikings
Jaquan Brisker Posts During Bears Game
“Miss me yet?!!” Brisker posted on X on November 24 before deleting the post.
Jaquan Brisker #9 of the Chicago Bears’ deleted post.
Brisker was a second-round pick by the Bears in 2022, Brisker has suffered multiple concussions in his career. He shared a fan’s defense of his decision to remain out until he is fully healthy.
“I find it so annoying how people r acting like it’s crazy for a star nfl player to prioritize his brain / future health rather than simply lying/denying symptoms in order to return to play asap,” the fan posted on X on November 13. “@JaquanBrisker is setting a good example by letting his brain fully heal before RTP.”
Bears Have Missed Jaquan Brisker
The defense has given up 1,104 passing yards and 699 rushing yards in the five games he missed entering play against the Vikings.
They had given up 870 yards and 604 yards, respectively, in the five games he played in.
That could have as much to do with the quality of their opponents in that span as it does with his absence, though it is still a notable difference for a defense that has allowed its fair share of big plays in that span.
Brisker posted another message later on, lamenting a call that the Vikings did not receive on a play similar to one in which the Bears were flagged.
He was active commenting on the rest of the game. But that deleted post speaks volumes.
The Bears defense is undoubtedly weaker without Brisker’s presence in the backfield. He is an emotional player and brings physicality to the backend. The group is otherwise geared toward coverage with fellow safety Kevin Byard being more of an all-around player than an enforcer.
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Here we are 11 games in and clearly the lack of resources spent on defense this off-season is showing. Byard was a nice sign, but they have no depth as is being shown. It’s nice to have this #1 pick, but what good will it be if that line can’t protect him? Bears are gonna Bears.