NFC Notes: Bears, Buccaneers, Packers

Bears

Bears HC Matt Nagy believes first-round LB Roquan Smith will be ready to play in their season-opener, despite the hamstring issue he’s dealt with since ending his holdout a few weeks ago.

“No, I don’t think so. I think there’s still a good chance there,” Nagy said, via ChicagoBears.com. “[It’s] day-by-day with him. Right now we’ve stacked two in a row for the positive, for the good. 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.”

Buccaneers

• Greg Auman doesn’t expect the Buccaneers to swing a trade before the start of the regular season, unless there’s an injury that is worse than we’ve thought.
• However, Auman could see the Buccaneers claiming an experienced backup offensive lineman off of waivers this weekend.

Packers

There has been speculation that the Packers could be a potential landing spot for Khalil Mack if the Raiders are willing to trade him.

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst was asked whether they could afford to make Aaron Rodgers the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL and add another player who could end up being the highest-paid defensive player.

“When you’re talking about unique players, there’s only so many of them out there,” said Gutekunst. “At the same time, the financial challenges may be difficult, but without players you can’t win. It’s like any significant player, they’re not inexpensive, but you have to have them to win.”

• Rob Demovsky reports that after trading Brett Hundley to the Seahawks on Wednesday, the Packers plan to keep both DeShone Kizer and Tim Boyle on the 53-man roster barring anything unforeseen during Thursday’s preseason finale.
• Michael Cohen reports that the buzz around Packers backup QB Tim Boyle had been spreading in recent weeks and it appeared likely that another team would claim him on waivers if he was cut by Green Bay.