A Bears defense playing without starting cornerback Prince Amukamara got even thinner after the first drive Thursday night, when Roquan Smith left the game. The team said the second-year inside linebacker injured his pectoral muscle in the first quarter, and would not return.
Smith had been playing his best football of the season. He had a career-high 15 and two sacks against the Lions on Thanksgiving. Only two players in NFL history had ever done the same.
Smith was injured during the Cowboys’ 17-play, 75-yard drive to start the game. The possession, when ended with a two-yard Ezekiel Elliott touchdown run, lasted an astounding 8:57.