Bears defensive end Yannick Ngakoue will miss the rest of the season after breaking his ankle Sunday against the Lions.
Ngakoue, who was hurt in the fourth quarter, will need surgery, coach Matt Eberflus said.
The Bears signed Ngakoue to a one-year, $10.5 million deal during training camp to try to improve a defensive end position that was projected to be one of the worst in the league. He finished with four sacks; it was the first time in his career than he posted fewer than eight in a season.
“It could have been better, because he missed some,” Eberflus said. “There were a lot of times he had him in the chute there and he could have got him down. We just have to do a good job of finishing and, you know, wrapping up the quarterback. ... I think he could have had at least three or four more — at least.”
DeMarcus Walker, who has been played tackle on obvious passing rushing downs, could stay at defensive end with Ngakoue out. The Bears hope he can benefit from the attention given Montez Sweat, who’s been the team’s best pass-rusher since they traded a second-round pick for him in late October.
Dominique Robinson, who hasn’t played since before the Bears traded for Sweat, figures to be active Sunday. If Walker plays end on passing downs, the Bears will rely on rookie tackles Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens to rush the passer.
“Everybody’s that going to have an uptick in reps because of the loss of Yannick ... ” Eberflus said. “It’s important for those guys to learn into the opportunity and have vision for the opportunity — and vision for the plays you’re gonna make.”
If not, there’s always another option.
“Blitz every snap,” Eberflus joked.
