CHI Shemar Turner
NFL player. Position: DE. Team: CHI.
Quick Facts
- Position: DE (moved from DT)
- Team: CHI (Chicago Bears)
- Draft: 2025 NFL Draft, Round 2 (Bears pick)
Second-year defensive lineman, recovering from torn ACL suffered during his 2025 rookie season (only 75 snaps played). The Bears have announced plans to move him permanently from defensive tackle to defensive end. His 2026 availability is significant for Bears' defense planning—his health status will determine whether the team keeps a 4-DT/6-DE split or a 5-DT/5-DE split. Positive news on recovery came at 2026 minicamp (per Bears Give Disconcerting Injury Update on Shemar Turner). Has starting potential on a Bears defensive line that was among the league's worst last season.
Part of a larger defensive line concern heading into 2026. Sports Illustrated notes the Bears have "a trio of question marks with Austin Booker, Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner," with the interior defensive line offering "much in that department" for pass rush production. Turner's health status is critical to whether the Bears can address their pass-rush deficiency in year two (per Bears' Spot in NFL Power Rankings Denotes Major Concern with Chicago's Roster)
Role / Depth Chart
Positioned as a hybrid defensive lineman moving to defensive end permanently. Expected to contribute as part of the pass-rush rotation opposite Montez Sweat, though his role will depend on recovery progress throughout summer.
Injury Status
Torn ACL (2025): Suffered during 2025 rookie season, limiting him to just 75 snaps. Undergoing rehabilitation through 2026 offseason. Coach Ben Johnson indicated summer 2026 will be critical for his return timeline: "We will see with Shemar. This summer will be a big part for him." (per Bears Give Disconcerting Injury Update on Shemar Turner).
Recent News
- 2026-06-18 — Chicago Bears 53-man roster projection: Who will enter training camp on the bubble? (Chicago Bears 53-man roster projection: Who will enter training camp on the bubble?)
- 2026-04-30 — Chicago Bears’ roster has undergone major change. Now, how will they get better? (Chicago Bears’ roster has undergone major change. Now, how will they get better?)
- 2026-05-01 — Chicago Bears' projected depth chart after 2026 NFL Draft (Chicago Bears' projected depth chart after 2026 NFL Draft)
- 2026-06-02 — Bears Should Target 3 Post-June 1 Trade Candidates to Fix Their Biggest Needs (Bears Should Target 3 Post-June 1 Trade Candidates to Fix Their Biggest Needs)
- 2026-05-07 — Assessing The Chicago Bears’ 3 Biggest Needs Before Training Camp (Assessing The Chicago Bears’ 3 Biggest Needs Before Training Camp)
- 2026-06-17 — Ex-Bears Pass Rusher Abruptly Retires From NFL After Minicamp (Ex-Bears Pass Rusher Abruptly Retires From NFL After Minicamp)
- 2026-05-01 — Here’s a look at the Chicago Bears’ depth chart following the NFL draft (Here’s a look at the Chicago Bears’ depth chart following the NFL draft)
- 2026-05-15 — 2026 NFL Schedule Release: Fantasy Football Winners, Losers & Takeaways (2026 NFL Schedule Release: Fantasy Football Winners, Losers & Takeaways)
- 2026-05-21 — Bears Trade Pitch Flips Day 3 Pick for Former 2nd-Round Edge Rusher (Bears Trade Pitch Flips Day 3 Pick for Former 2nd-Round Edge Rusher)
- 2026-05-27 — Most Important Chicago Bears Position Battles to Watch as OTAs Begin (Most Important Chicago Bears Position Battles to Watch as OTAs Begin)
Open Questions
- Will Shemar Turner be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season following ACL recovery?
- How will his move from DT to DE affect his role and performance against NFL offensive linemen?