Dennis Allen Finally Addressed Why Shemar Turner Has Been MIA

The Chicago Bears made some alarming decisions last Sunday. Among them was choosing to deactivate two of their three 2nd round picks from the most recent draft. Ozzy Trapilo was left out of the offensive lineup, which wasn’t entirely surprising given the team’s depth at tackle. The bigger surprise was Shemar Turner. It was hoped the defensive lineman from Texas A&M could give the Bears front some juice. Yet he wasn’t even granted the opportunity, leading many to wonder if the team already knew they blew the pick. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was finally asked about it.

He was one of the primary people who pushed for Turner in the draft. Is he throwing in the towel already? Not at all. Allen’s decision to keep Turner sidelined has nothing to do with ability. It is about preparation.

“Really it’s just continue to work in practice. He missed a lot of time in training camp, but I think he’s turning a corner. … And then it’s about taking advantage of the opportunity when it comes on game day.”

Turner suffered an ankle injury at the end of July, right as camp was starting. He didn’t return until mid-August, meaning he’d missed almost three weeks of work. For a veteran, that is a minor inconvenience. For a rookie? It is a serious problem. They come into the new defensive system completely blind, unsure yet of how to prepare. Rather than thrust Turner out there before he’s ready, the Bears elected to take it slow.

Dennis Allen made it sound like Turner is almost ready.

Not that the Bears have a choice. They were already hurting on the defensive line, with Austin Booker on injured reserve. Now Grady Jarrett is dealing with a knee injury that could leave him out of Sunday’s game against Dallas. That opens the door for Turner to get his first real action. His youth, power, and violence are all things they could use against a tough Cowboys offensive line. Bears fans are anxious to see what he has. Dennis Allen seems confident he is on the right track. The first step was cleared when he began practicing consistently. Now it’s about getting him some game action. Sunday could be his first opportunity, and it’s a big one. The Bears need a win in the worst way.