Matt Nagy doesn't expect Roquan Smith to play in preseason finale

LAKE FOREST, Ill. --Chicago Bears rookie first-round pick Roquan Smith will likely enter Week 1 without having played a single snap in a preseason game.

Bears head coach Matt Nagy announced on Tuesday that Smith -- the eighth overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft -- is unlikely to see action in Chicago's final exhibition game Thursday night versus the Buffalo Bills because of a hamstring injury.

"Roquan had a better day today, so that's two good days in a row as far as his health is concerned," Nagy told reporters. "It's looking like for him this week against Buffalo, we're probably going to end up keeping him out and not playing him, so you guys hear that and have that. But that's not a negative that we're keeping him out of the game. He's in a good place right now."

Nagy stressed that Smith, who is projected to be one of Chicago's starting inside linebackers, is on track to play in the Bears' primetime regular-season opener at Lambeau Field on Sept. 9.

"I don't want to get to a spot to where we quote/unquote rush him back and then all of a sudden he comes back and, boom, you just lost another whatever, six to eight weeks," Nagy said. "I don't want that. I lean more towards ... the cautious side.

"[But] I think there's still a good chance [Smith is ready for Week 1]. Day by day with him. Right now, we've stacked two positive [practices] in a row. Let's just keep that thing going. If he's able to play and we feel good about it, trust me, we'll give him an opportunity to get in there."

Smith reported late to training camp because of a contract dispute that lasted until Aug. 14.

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, part of the reason for Smith's holdout was language in his contract that would allow the team to reclaim guaranteed money if the linebacker is suspended under the NFL's new helmet-contact rules.

Smith, the last NFL rookie to sign, eventually inked a four-year guaranteed deal worth $18,477,166.

Smith, a University of Georgia product, was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a consensus All-American last season, and he was expected to start immediately at one of the Bears' linebacker spots.

Smith's speed (4.51-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine) also lends itself to the rookie's staying on the field on passing downs. One of Smith's strengths at Georgia was his ability to run with tight ends in coverage.