Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker has shown flashes of promise despite the team’s struggles, most recently during their 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 5. Booker recorded two sacks in the game, including a strip sack of Packers quarterback Jordan Love late in the second quarter that helped stifle a drive poised to extend Green Bay’s halftime lead. Although the Bears ultimately fell short, coaches see the performance as an encouraging sign of Booker’s development.

Defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett praised Booker’s relentlessness and technical growth, noting the young player’s ability to sequence his pass rush moves effectively. Booker, a 2024 fifth-round pick, attributes much of his success to his long arms and offseason focus on adding strength. “Long arms are kind of my fastball, and working off that helps me for sure,” Booker said. He acknowledged that while he was lighter last season, the skills were always present, and the added power has enhanced his ability to finish plays.

Booker’s progress will face a significant test Sunday as the Bears visit the Atlanta Falcons. With starting defensive end Montez Sweat suspended for two games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy, and Dayo Odeyingbo sidelined with a quadriceps injury, Booker is expected to assume a larger role as the primary pass rusher alongside James Lynch. The Bears also activated Shemar Turner from the reserve/physically unable to perform list, although Turner will likely be on a snap count as he works back from a torn ACL.

Despite his increased playing time in Week 5—when he logged over 70% of defensive snaps—Booker has yet to start a game this season. Coaches have been cautious about deploying him against the run due to his lighter frame compared to Lynch and others on the roster. Garrett explained that Lynch’s size and versatility make him better suited to handle early-down run defense and play inside, whereas Booker is more effective focusing on edge rushing.

Bears defensive coordinator Ben Johnson has called for greater consistency from Booker, though Garrett noted steady improvement. Booker himself declined to comment on whether he deserved more snaps moving forward but expressed readiness for “another good week of football” despite the team’s depth challenges.

Atlanta presents a formidable challenge for the Bears’ defensive front. The Falcons lead the NFL with a 53.2% run rate, and running back Bijan Robinson ranks third league-wide with 1.7 yards over expected per carry and leads with 4.9 yards after contact. Garrett emphasized the need to disrupt Atlanta’s zone blocking schemes and control the line of scrimmage to contain an explosive rushing attack.

Booker’s efficiency this season has been notable—he has converted 44.4% of his pressures into sacks, although his overall pressure rate remains relatively low. Coaches appreciate his growing ability to read blockers and adjust moves accordingly. Lynch, who joined the Bears this year, praised Booker’s impact on the younger defender, highlighting the mutual learning between the pair.

With the Bears facing short-handed personnel, Booker’s performance in Atlanta could be pivotal. Whether he can maintain his pressure rate and contribute consistently against one of the top rushing offenses in the league will be closely watched by coaches and fans alike. For now, Booker remains focused on continuing his growth and helping the Bears improve in the coming weeks.