Austin Booker was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 2024 NFL Draft after the team traded picks with the Buffalo Bills. 

The Bears took Booker in the fifth round of the draft out of Kansas. He saw the field as a rookie, playing in all 17 games, recording 21 total tackles, three TFLs and 1.5 sacks. 

It took him a while to see playing time in 2025, as he suffered a knee injury during the preseason game with the Bills and was placed on the injured reserve. 

He was finally activated from the IR on Oct. 28 ahead of Sunday's game with the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Booker made his debut in the 47-42 win over the Bengals and didn't take long to make an impact on the game. In the fourth quarter, he sacked Cincinnati quarterback Joe Flacco, forcing a fumble that was recovered by the Bears' defense. 

The fumble was one of three turnovers Chicago forced in the game. The Bears also were able to get Flacco to throw two interceptions. 

However, with all the turnovers, Chicago still allowed Cincinnati to get back into the game. The Bengals crept back in after the Bears were up 41-27 with under five minutes to go. 

The Bengals retook the lead 42-41 after scoring two touchdowns, one of which was after recovering an onside kick. Luckily, Caleb Williams took just four plays to give the Bears the lead right back on a 58-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colston Loveland. 

While Booker would have obviously preferred to have his 2025 debut earlier this year, it was great to see him play the way he did in the win. 

This is especially true considering how inconsistent the Bears' pass rush has been this year. Chicago ranks 20th in sacks this season with 17 so far. The team's sack leader is Montez Sweat with four, followed by Gervon Dexter at 3.5. 

A pass rusher should definitely be a position that Chicago should look at trading for at Tuesday's deadline, but Booker is a great piece to have for the future. 

Having a consistent pass rusher in the NFL is truly invaluable. 

Booker and the Bears face the New York Giants next Sunday at Soldier Field after their two-game road stint. Chicago won't have multiple home games in a row until December, when it plays the Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers. 

Sunday's game kicks off at noon CT on Fox.