John Bazemore/AP
Like any NFL back-up, Bears cornerback Josh Blackwell prepares every week like he’s going to start. That figures to come in handy this week.
Blackwell, a second-year player from Duke, is expected to start at nickelback Sunday against the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in place of Kyler Gordon, who is out with a hand injury he suffered in a 38-20 loss to the Packers on Sunday.
“I’ve been thrown in the fire before, so I know what to expect ” said Blackwell, who started against the Packers in Week 13 as a rookie last year and played significant snaps against the Bills and Lions in Weeks 16-17.