NBC play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico, who was slated to call his 300th NFL game Sunday night, was replaced by Noah Eagle. Tirico said in a statement released around noon Sunday that a health issue would prevent him from calling the Buccaneers-Bears game at Soldier Field.
He said he’d return next week.
Eagle called the Notre Dame game Saturday night in South Bend, Ind.
— NBC Sports PR (@NBCSportsPR) November 8, 2026
The Bears made their biggest splash of their trade season — and maybe the biggest splash in the NFL — when they traded for Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons late last month. They have another day-and-a-half to add to it — the NFL’s trade deadline is at 3 p.m. Tuesday.
The Bears could use depth at cornerback and defensive end. Cornerbacks Nahshon Wright (Jets) and Riq Woolen (Eagles) have been linked to the Bears, as has edge rusher Khalil Mack. The winless Chargers haven’t indicated they plan to move Mack, who played for the Bears from 2018-21.
• When receiver Rome Odunze caught a touchdown in the first quarter, he paid tribute to injured teammate Cole Kmet by doing his baseball swing celebration. Kmet, who is out for the season with a knee injury, played baseball at Notre Dame.
• The Bears fans who wanted to support Simmons by wearing orange — to match his sleeves — made a statement. An unscientific glance at the Soldier Field crowd showed more orange than usual.
• Quarterback Caleb Williams wore bright orange Caddix cleats. Like he did Monday, Williams wore a version with no discernable logo to avoid fines by the NFL.
• Former all-world returner Devin Hester hyped up the crowd on the field before kickoff.
• During warmups, the Bears set the play clock to 89 seconds in honor of the late Mike Ditka.
