What Bears DE Shemar Turner Showed in NFL Week 7 Win Over Patriots

As the Chicago Bears continue the 2026 NFL season, Shemar Turner is someone to watch closely. 

The former 2025 second-round draft pick from Texas A&M saw some playing time in the Week 7 win over the New England Patriots on Thursday night, making that the second game he's played since his season-ending ACL injury during his rookie season. 

The 6-foot-3, 293-pound defensive end got seven defensive snaps against the Atlanta Falcons and played 13 snaps against New England. He has two total tackles so far and has exclusively played over the tackle (9 snaps) and outside the tackle (11 snaps).

Turner played only 74 defensive snaps across five games before this rookie season came to an end. 

Turner hasn't played a lot of football in the last year, so every rep matters, especially on a position group as important as the defensive line. The 23-year-old has a prime opportunity to earn more playing time if he can capitalize on his opportunities. 

Here are four reps that stood out for different reasons in the 30-24 win over the Patriots. 

With 9:46 left in the first quarter, Turner gets his fist snap of the game. He's lined up on the inside shoulder of the right tackle and does a nice job of fighting off the block with his hands. He's in position to make a tackle on the running back, but is pushed in the back at the last second. Turner is frustrated with himself and slams both fists into the Soldier Field grass. 

Here is Turner's tackle later in the first quarter. He uses quick hands to engage with the Patriots' tight end, finds the ball carrier and makes a tackle on the running back to limit New England to a 3-yard gain on first down. 

Towards the end of the first quarter, the Patriots are facing a third-and-2 on their own 34-yard line. Turner and defensive end Austin Booker are in a two-point stance on the edges of the defense. They each take a few steps forward before dropping into coverage. Booker initially puts his hands on tight end Eli Raridon before backpedaling into a zone, keeping his eyes forward. Turner opens his hips and is looking at the Bears' sideline and doesn't even realize the Patriots' tight end catches the ball in front of him. 

Turner won't be in this type of situation all too often throughout his career, but it's a good learning moment for the young player. Turner smacks his helmet a few times after the play and taps his chest, signaling my bad. 

This final rep is with 2:13 left in the third quarter. Turner is in a four-point stance and is lined up opposite of tight end Hunter Henry. The Bears' defensive end extends his arms, holds his ground and doesn't allow a running lane to open. He finishes the play by taking Henry to the ground after he falls over his some Patriots in the backfield. 

These weren't the most eye-popping plays, but Turner needs to prove he can execute his assignments and play with the violent nature that he was known for in college. As he goes through his second NFL season, consistency should be Turner's main focus. If he can bring that to his defensive snaps, he will see the field a lot more as the year continues.