Tennessee Titans Mandatory Minicamp
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The Seattle Seahawks have received an important update regarding one of their biggest challenges heading into Monday Night Football.
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has revealed that newly acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is expected to play a substantial role against Seattle on Nov. 2, although his workload could be somewhat limited.
Simmons joined Chicago in a blockbuster trade with the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Oct. 29, leaving the Bears with only a few days to integrate him into their defense.
Johnson’s latest comments suggest the organization intends to make immediate use of its newest defensive star despite the abbreviated preparation period.
The development arrives as Seattle prepares to debut a revamped offensive line featuring eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson, who has considerable experience facing Simmons.
Bears HC Ben Johnson Reveals Jeffery Simmons’ Expected Workload vs. Seahawks
Philadelphia Eagles v Tennessee Titans
GettyNASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 20: Jeffery Simmons #98 of the Tennessee Titans looks on prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Nissan Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
Johnson indicated that Simmons should see significant playing time against Seattle, even if the defensive tackle doesn’t immediately match the unusually high snap counts he recorded in Tennessee.
According to Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith on Sunday, Nov. 1, Simmons participated in 87% of Tennessee’s defensive snaps through his first seven games this season.
The 29-year-old also played 21% of the Titans’ special teams snaps, giving him one of the heaviest workloads among NFL defensive tackles.
Johnson acknowledged that Simmons may not immediately reach those numbers with Chicago.
“He might not be quite that high Week 1 for us,” Johnson said.
However, the Bears coach expressed confidence in Simmons’ ability to handle significant playing time and quickly adapt to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s system.
Johnson explained that Simmons’ experience in different defensive schemes should help the transition, although Chicago wants to avoid overwhelming him with unfamiliar responsibilities.
For the Seahawks, the remarks indicate that Simmons’ recent arrival is unlikely to prevent him from making a significant impact Monday night.
The four-time Pro Bowler has recorded four sacks through seven appearances this season after registering a career-high 11 sacks in 2025.
According to NFL.com’s breakdown of the trade, Simmons also generated 28 quarterback pressures through seven games, the most among defensive tackles entering Week 8.
His potential availability for the majority of Monday’s contest presents another obstacle for Seattle’s offense.
Seahawks’ Quenton Nelson Faces Classic Task Against Jeffery Simmons
Indianapolis Colts v Pittsburgh Steelers
GettyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 02: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the game at Acrisure Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
The Seahawks will have a particularly interesting matchup against Simmons after acquiring Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
The two established stars spent years facing each other in the AFC South, with Nelson protecting Indianapolis’ quarterbacks while Simmons anchored Tennessee’s defensive front.
Nelson acknowledged the unusual circumstances surrounding their latest meeting.
“Man, can’t get away from this guy,” Nelson said, according to Seattle’s official website on Oct. 31.
The reunion comes as Seattle prepares to make three changes to its offensive line.
Nelson will start at left guard, with Grey Zabel shifting to right guard. Meanwhile, Josh Jones is expected to replace starting left tackle Charles Cross, who has been ruled out with an ankle injury.
Those changes could complicate the Seahawks’ protection schemes, particularly against a defensive tackle with Simmons’ pass-rushing ability.
Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald has already acknowledged the challenge, explaining that the Seahawks must account for Simmons despite his limited time in Chicago.
Macdonald also has firsthand experience with the veteran defender through previous matchups and joint practices against Tennessee.
The Bears will additionally welcome back pass rusher Montez Sweat following a two-game suspension, strengthening a defensive front that could challenge Seattle’s remodeled offensive line.
For quarterback Sam Darnold, protecting the interior of the pocket will be particularly important against a Chicago defense looking to capitalize on its recent acquisition.
Seattle enters the matchup at 4-3 following its 20-3 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, while Chicago carries a 5-2 record into the nationally televised contest.