Nagy: Sit decision best for Mack, team
The Bears decided it was best for outside linebacker Khalil Mack and for the team to have him sit out Sunday against the Jets.
That doesn’t mean Mack has suffered a setback with his right ankle, coach Matt Nagy said, even though he played a week earlier with the same injury.
“He wants to be out there,” Nagy said. “And you know that from his history of playing.”
It was the first NFL game Mack has missed because of injury.
“[On Sunday] morning, we just talked to him, and we just talked to our trainers,” Nagy said. “And it was just something where we felt like, ‘You know what? For him and for our team, it’s the best thing to let him sit this one.’ ”
Nagy continued to characterize the injury as “hour-to-hour” but said Mack could play next week in Buffalo.
“The hope is that he can,” Nagy said.
Jackson on flag
Safety Eddie Jackson said he couldn’t stop himself from hitting Jets wide receiver Andre Roberts on a third-and-13 incomplete pass in the fourth quarter. He was flagged for unnecessary roughness for tackling Roberts even as the ball skipped away.
Rather than punt, the Jets eventually scored a touchdown.
“It was a crazy call to me,” Jackson said. “I’m not really anticipating the guy [dropping] the ball.”
Inside linebacker Danny Trevathan couldn’t believe the call.
“Don’t get me started,” he said. “It’s crazy, man. It’s like you can’t even make a hit. Back in the day, that would have been looked at as a big hit. Nowadays, it’s a flag.”
Dress-up day
On Saturday night, the Bears handed out “Monsters of the Midway” throwback jerseys to all their players and coaches. Each player picked a favorite former Bear. Many wore the jerseys to and from the stadium Sunday.
Trevathan went with Brian Piccolo, defensive end Akiem Hicks with Mike Singletary.
Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd chose Charles Tillman because he’s a fellow “country boy.” Nagy chose No. 7 — George Halas’ number.
Why that and not a Mike Ditka jersey?
“I’m not answering that,” Nagy joked, knowing there was no possible right answer.
This and that
Wide receiver Allen Robinson sat out the game with the same groin injury that has bothered him for weeks. He missed the last three series of the Patriots game and participated in only one practice leading up to Sunday. Rookie Javon Wims, a seventh-round pick, was put on the active roster in his place but did not see a target.
♦ Tight end Ben Braunecker left the game with a concussion and did not return.
♦ Adam Shaheen, the secondyear tight end who has been on injured reserve since the start of the season, worked out on the field before the game. He can return to practice whenever the team deems him healthy enough.