Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mack inactive, will not play against Jets

Khalil Mack inactive against Jets

Khalil Mack will miss the first time in his career, as the Bears designated to the outside linebacker as a priority to Sunday's contest against the New York Jets at Soldier Field.

Mack played 70 consecutive games from Week 1 of his rookie year in 2014 up to the Bears' loss to the New England Patriots last Sunday. He has lost his life in the first quarter of the Bears' Week 6 loss to the Miami Dolphins, and after recording in the first four games of 2018 has not had one.

In addition, Mack did not record a quarterback hit after an injury and was only credited with Dolphins and Patriots, for Pro Football Focus. One of the most dominant defenses in the first quarter of the season – and the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history – has become a non-factor clearly hobbled by a balky ankle.

Why Mack is inactive this week and has not gotten in the way of doing things in the past.

"It was good to see, because you do not know where he's at," coach Matt Nagy said. "And so it helps. But then, again, I think is the biggest thing right now. When you talk to Khalil throughout this process, you gotta know: 'Hey, was it a good day? Was it a bad day? What are you doing? Can we do more? Is there more rehab that's needed? Is there less rehab that's needed. "So (head trainer Andre Tucker) and those guys have done a good job of talking to him."

In Mack's absence, expect an uptick in snaps for Aaron Lynch, who played 42 percent of the Bears' defensive snaps this year with two sacks, five quarterback hits and one interception. Isaiah Irving and Kylie Fitts, too, could play their first defensive snaps of the year, but they have been active for the Bears' first six games.

Leonard Floyd, who does not have a sack this year, to step up in Mack's absence.

Part of the Bears' calculus with sitting Mack on Sunday, though, could have been made to beat the Jets without him. Perhaps the team has an eye on a critical three-game stretch in November, when the Bears play the Lions and Vikings at home, and then the Lions on the road in the span of 12 days. NFC North games would provide a critical boost for the Bears' chances of competing for a playoff spot.