NFC North Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers, Vikings

Bears

Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky didn’t take the step forward many anticipated he would in his second season in HC Matt Nagy‘s offense. If anything, he regressed along with the rest of the Chicago team as they missed the playoffs in 2019. The Bears will have a decision to make this offseason on whether they will pick up Trubisky’s fifth-year option for the 2021 season. Even if they do, Trubisky will have a lot to prove in 2020 and he’s well aware of that fact. 

“I got a lot of just personal drive and fire within me that I know I haven’t played to my potential yet, and I think that’s frustrating, but it’s also something that motivates me a lot,” Trubisky said via the Athletic’s Adam Jahns.

Lions

• According to DetroitNews.com’s Justin Rogers, there’s a good chance the Lions move on from both DTs Mike Daniels and A’Shawn Robinson this offseason. 
• Rogers also says the Lions could consider cutting DT Damon Harrison to save $7 million in cap space and shed the 31-year-old’s $11.75 million cap hit. 

Packers

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers‘ production is down this season, but he doesn’t think it has to do with diminishing ability. 

“I think the level of success and the way that I feel I’m playing is different in this offense this year,” Rodgers said, via ESPN.com. “I don’t need to throw 40 touchdowns for us to win. I need to be great on my checks, be as efficient as possible. I need to take care of the football.”

• Per Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Packers HC Matt LaFleur said the team is confident in RBs Dexter Williams, Danny Vitale and Tyler Ervin to replace Jamaal Williams. 

Vikings

• Per Chris Tomasson, Vikings WR Adam Thielen said his hamstring injury didn’t play a role in his zero-catch performance Monday night against the Packers: “It had nothing to do with the hamstring. I felt great out there and just had a few opportunities, didn’t make the plays, and the rest is out of my control.”