Chicago Bears: Eddie Goldman Attending Training Camp Eases Feelings

After surprising the Chicago Bears and the fans by skipping mandatory camp earlier this month, news that defensive lineman Eddie Goldman would show up for training camp in July eased a lot of feelings.

By most accounts, the Chicago Bears had a very good time at camps earlier this month. The team got a look at many of their recently drafted players, especially prized quarterback Justin Fields. The team also had a chance to see where the veterans are physically. The practices went well and things were good.

Not everything was good, however.

While many of the defensive veterans failed to show up to the voluntary workouts, nearly all attended when mandatory camp started. One noticeable absence was defensive lineman Eddie Goldman.

Goldman is one of the keys to a successful Chicago Bears defense. He makes life easier for the ends and the linebackers by taking up space to free them. He is also a critical part of stuffing the opponents’ running game.

Last year, Goldman was one of the many players in the NFL who took the league up on opting out of the season due to COVID-19 scares. The defense really missed not having him on the field. After ranking 4th in overall defense and 9th against the run in 2019, the Bears fell to 14th overall and 15th against the run.

Not seeing Goldman at camp raised concerns

Not seeing Goldman attend mandatory camp shocked the team. After he opted out of the season, the coaches looked forward to seeing how he was after the long layoff. Instead, he had an unexcused absence which cost him a total of $93,000 ($31,000 for each of the three days he missed).

That absence brought up a lot of speculation. Many wondered aloud if Goldman would attend training camp or play again for the Bears.

The Bears drafted Khiris Tonga perhaps with an eye on the future. When they also went out and signed veteran Mike Pennel, some people really got worried. They questioned whether Goldman would be there when training camp opens on July 15th. Despite head coach Matt Nagy proclaiming he had no doubt about Goldman’s return, people were still skeptical.

No need to worry about Goldman

Then came news that Goldman would indeed report to camp. That alleviated many concerns and calmed Chicago Bears Nation a bit.

I can confirm from a source very close to the situation that the #Bears‘ Eddie Goldman will indeed be reporting to training camp on time.

He will not he holding out or opting out as any of the recent rampant speculation has suggested.

— Bill Zimmerman (@ZimmermanSXM) June 24, 2021

Knowing that he won’t sit out gives the defense a big boost. With the added players behind him, the Bears have very good depth on the defensive line now. With Bilal Nichols now returning to his natural defensive end spot, he could use the experience he gained from replacing Goldman to play better this season. Also, Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith are now freed to move more and not worry as much about the middle.

Having Goldman back makes the Chicago Bears defense a lot tougher to handle. Everyone is happy to see him come back.