Ben Johnson Opens Up On Why He Benched Zavion Thomas After Chicago Bears’ Win Over Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Zavion Thomas lost his offensive snaps after a penalty against Tampa Bay.© Image via X/@pff

Zavion Thomas had a big night as a returner and a short night as a receiver. The Chicago Bears rookie lost his offensive snaps after a second-quarter personal foul in Sunday night's 27-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Ben Johnson did not hide the reason. The flag came just before Caleb Williams threw the first of his four interceptions, and Thomas never saw the offense again. A bye week gives the Bears time to reset, but a concussion to Luther Burden III could pull Thomas back into the plan.

Ben Johnson Explains The Zavion Thomas Benching

Thomas was blocking Buccaneers cornerback Jacob Parrish when the play ended. He kept going and swatted at Parrish's helmet. Officials flagged him for unnecessary roughness, and the Bears lost 15 yards with 8:37 left before halftime.

On the next snap, Williams forced a throw on second-and-goal from the 21 and was picked off. Chicago later needed a Cairo Santos field goal to escape with the win. Johnson kept his postgame answer on Thomas short.

“Yeah, I don't know if he played on offense after that,” Johnson said bluntly.

This is not new for Johnson. He also sat running back D'Andre Swift after a costly fumble in Week 4. The pattern is easy to read. A major mistake costs playing time, no matter who makes it. For a rookie, learning that standard early can only help.

Zavion Thomas' Role For The Bears After The Bye

Thomas has six catches for 41 yards through nine games, so his offensive role is still small. Special teams is where he has made his mark. His 715 kick return yards rank fourth in the NFL, and his three returns of 40 yards or more tie for second.

unday added to that resume. He gave Chicago the ball at its own 47 with a 40-yard return and later added a 26-yard return. His best effort was a 91-yard run down the left sideline that ended at the 1-yard line. A holding call on D'Marco Jackson wiped it out and moved the ball to the 30.

The injury report may decide his next step. Johnson said Burden has a concussion after a hard helmet-to-helmet hit in the fourth quarter. The bye gives Burden extra time in the NFL's concussion protocol, but he must be cleared before he plays. If he is not ready for the Week 11 game against the New Orleans Saints, Thomas could see more practice and game reps.

He would not jump to the top of the depth chart, though. Rome Odunze and Kalif Raymond remain ahead of him. The Bears will watch how Thomas practices after the break, and whether he plays clean when his number is called.