The opportunity to finally see the Bears’ defense at full strength was over before it started. Linebacker Danny Trevathan was put on injured reserve with knee sorneness when the 53-man roster was announced last week. Alec Ogletree replaced him in the starting lineup against the Rams on Sunday night at SoFi Stadium.
But first-year defensive coordinator Sean Desai faced an even bigger hole to fill when the Bears kicked off the 2021 season. Nose tackle Eddie Goldman, whose return after opting out of last season because of coronavirus concerns was the key on-field upgrade from 2020 under Chuck Pagano, did not make the trip to Los Angeles because of a knee injury.