Chicago Bears: 3 Players with something to prove vs. Bills

Aaron Lynch must show he is 100 percent

This is the most important position for the Chicago Bears defense. The unit is already hampered by the hand injury to Leonard Floyd. While the Bears overhauled the roster to reverse the losing, the only move they made to try to solidify the outside linebacker spot was signing Aaron Lynch.

The thought was that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio could work with Lynch. Lynch played his best when Fangio worked as the defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers. After Fangio left for Chicago, Lynch spent most of his time in the trainer’s room.

Almost as soon as Lynch arrived in Chicago, however, the injuries again happened. He suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of OTAs. He then suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out of training camp and all the preseason games so far. He returned last week but did not play against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Lynch probably plays in the preseason finale. He’ll get a chance to show that he’s over his injury troubles. This is an important game for him. The Bears may start Sam Acho, but they also have rookie Kylie Fitts. Fitts also has his injury history, but he is younger and has had a good preseason and camp. The rookie had the talent to be a first or second-round pick, but injuries held him back. He’s been pretty injury-free and could compete for the starting job if Lynch falters.

Seeing Lynch get cut would be a big surprise. Frankly, however, the only good he’s done so far has been to keep the training staff busy. Ultimately, the Bears may see who gets cut on Saturday or maybe go the trade route.