FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard made an impact in the team's preseason-opening 34-22 victory over the New Orleans Saints, playing 23 first-half snaps and registering two tackles and forcing a fumble.
But Sheard hasn't been on the field since, missing the last four practices, and he won't play Thursday night against the Chicago Bears.
That has naturally sparked the question as to what is keeping him off the field. He was banged up during the Saints game, as members of the New England athletic training staff were looking at his knee on the sideline. Specifics of the injury aren't known, but it seems to fall in the category of maintenance rather than anything major.
In addition to Sheard, fellow defensive end Shea McClellin falls into a similar category after playing 33 snaps in the opener and totaling four tackles. He hasn't practiced all week and also won't play Thursday.
With Sheard, McClellin and starter Rob Ninkovich (torn triceps muscle) not playing, the depth at defensive end is being tested.
If practice is any indication, look for nine-year veteran Chris Long to start at left end and second-year player Trey Flowers to work on the right side. The next layer of depth comes in the form of Rufus Johnson and Geneo Grissom.
Long, who was limited to four sacks over the last two seasons as he battled injuries, looks fully healthy in displaying some of his trademark explosion. That is something his brother, Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long, noticed over joint practices this week.
"What I really liked to see, with him coming off some stuff the last few years, he looks strong, he feels strong," Kyle Long said. "He played so many games in a row, and he's a guy who is going to be out there every day ... and I think that wore on him a little bit. He's worked his tail off to get back to where he is."
Other players not expected to play against the Bears (health-related):
CB Logan Ryan
RB Dion Lewis (PUP)
RB Donald Brown
G Tre' Jackson (PUP)
RB D.J. Foster
OT Sebastian Vollmer (PUP)
WR Danny Amendola (PUP)
Also, safety Nate Ebner just returned to the club after competing for the U.S. rugby team in the 2016 Rio Olympics and will likely be held out as well.