Smith OUT vs. Saints

The Bears have downgraded LB Roquan Smith (elbow) to OUT for Sunday's game against the Saints. That leaves no clear full-time replacement behind him. It likely means full or near-full playing time for LB Danny Trevathan, though, making him a better IDP option.

The Ravens are acquiring LB Roquan Smith from the Bears for 2nd- and 5th-round NFL Draft picks. Smith is in the final year of his rookie contract, so we'd bet on an extension with Baltimore following. His arrival likely means the end of full playing time for Ravens LB Patrick Queen. They'll likely start together, but the move for Smith signals dissatisfaction with the middle of the defense. Queen has become a full-timer this season after seeing 80% and then 76% the previous 2 seasons. Smith's departure from Chicago leaves tackle upside for LB Nicholas Morrow, who was already playing full-time snaps. Joe Thomas stands 3rd among Bears LBs in playing time currently and might be the top candidate to absorb vacated snaps.

Update: The Ravens are also sending LB A.J. Klein to the Bears, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He'll likely get at least a shot at stepping into Smith's vacated role.

Bears LB Roquan Smith is active for today's game against the Texans. He missed practice all week with a hip injury and hit Sunday looking like a true game-time decision. There's risk to playing Smith in IDP lineups. But if he's ready for full playing time, then the numbers should follow. CB Jaylon Johnson (quad) is inactive.

Bears LB Roquan Smith (hip) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Texans. He missed practice all week and doesn't look like a great bet for Week 3 IDP lineups. CB Jaylon Johnson (quad) is also questionable after a Thursday injury that sidelined him Friday.

Bears LB Roquan Smith (hip) missed Wednesday's practice. Smith didn't miss a single snap of Week 2, which would seem to indicate it's not serious. We'll watch his participation level through the week.

Bears LB Roquan Smith practiced with his team for the 1st time in training camp Saturday, ending his "hold in." Smith has reportedly decided to play out the final year of his rookie contract. It's not a shocking move, as Smith has little leverage in his quest for a contract extension. We haven't move him down our rankings through the hold in. We'll see what happens with Smith and the Bears beyond this season.