Where Is Clark Phillips? Details On The Absence Of The Bears’ Trade Acquisition

Erik Lambert questions why cornerback Clark Phillips has not played a single defensive snap for the Chicago Bears through five games. Chicago acquired Phillips alongside a fifth-round draft pick from the Atlanta Falcons in an offseason trade for defensive lineman Gervon Dexter. Despite his defensive absence, Phillips has only been utilized on special teams coverage and return units.

Lambert suggests that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen may believe Phillips is still learning the complex scheme after arriving right before the season without training camp. However, with cornerback injuries mounting and a matchup against Phillips' former team approaching, Lambert argues that Chicago needs to give the cornerback an opportunity on defense.