Teammates clamoring for Robinson extension
The apparent truce between Allen
Robinson and Bears management didn’t quiet teammates calling for general manager Ryan Pace to sign the wide receiver to an extension.
As Robinson continues to play on an expiring contract — something he said won’t be a distraction — the locker room is on his side.
“He’s deserving of an extension,” said running back Tarik Cohen, who’s looking for one as well. “He exemplifies the meaning of being a teammate. On and off the field, he’s a great leader in our locker room. The team just wouldn’t be the same without him. So I feel like it’s that fair to get this deal done.”
The Bears signed Robinson for three years and $42 million in 2018, and he has delivered. He leads the team in yards from scrimmage (1,985) and touchdowns (11, tying him with Cohen).
Cohen is among several players who have voiced support for Robinson on Twitter or in interviews this week after Robinson scrubbed his social media accounts of Bears-related material and, a source said, floated the idea of a trade but stopped short of formally requesting one.
Quarterback Mitch Trubisky said Wednesday that the Bears have “got to get that done” so they don’t lose their best offensive player.
“Allen is just so reliable,” Trubisky said. “You can go to him in any situation. And the thing about him is, when he’s not open, he’s still open. So just put it in his area and he’ll go make a play.”
Despite a rough season for Trubisky and the offense overall in 2019, Robinson was seventh in the NFL in receptions (98), 14th in receiving yards (1,147) and 16th in touchdown catches (seven). He caught five passes for 74 yards Sunday against the Lions.
Taking it slowly
There has been ample hype about Bears second-round pick Cole Kmet, the top tight end chosen in the draft, but tight end is one of the most difficult positions for a college player trying to make the shift to the NFL.
The Bears’ caution about that transition was the reason coach Matt Nagy held Kmet to 20 snaps against the Lions while playing
Jimmy Graham 52 and Demetrius Harris
26. Kmet got just one target and had no stat line, but his overall play was reassuring.
“There wasn’t a whole lot there, but . . . it was a good mix not to overdo it,” Nagy said. “I think you’ll slowly see his role increase.”
Sick Hicks
The Bears had their full active roster at practice Thursday except for defensive lineman Akiem Hicks. He was out with an unspecified illness. Linebackers Khalil
Mack (knee) and Robert Quinn (ankle) were limited. Mack is a near-certainty to play Sunday, but Quinn is in question.