Jack Sanborn was only on the field for 18% and 20% of the Bears' defensive plays in their last two games. But that didn't prevent the third-year linebacker from making an impact.

Sanborn, who leaves the field when the Bears switch from their base defense to their nickel, produced huge plays on back-to-back red-zone snaps last Sunday against the Colts.

In the second quarter on second-and-goal from the 3, Sanborn stopped quarterback Anthony Richardson on a run for no gain. On the next play, Sanborn created a takeaway by deflecting a Richardson pass that was intercepted by linebacker Tremaine Edmunds in the end zone. A week earlier versus the Texans, Sanborn registered a sack of quarterback C.J. Stroud.

The Wisconsin product and Lake Zurich, Ill., native played just 11 snaps against both Indianapolis and Houston.

"He's just ready to play," said defensive coordinator Eric Washington. "He's a great equalizer for us. Very versatile player. Extremely intelligent. Smart. And works his tail off."

Sanborn joined the Bears in 2022 as an undrafted free agent. He excelled after becoming a starter following the midseason trade of Roquan Smith to the Ravens, recording 59 tackles, 5.0 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 sacks in six starts.

Sanborn began playing only with the base defense last season after the Bears signed linebackers Edmunds and T.J. Edwards in free agency.

"This is my second year now doing this, so I'm kind of used to it," Sanborn said. "I have a gauge of how the game's going, how situation-wise what our game plan is, how we're calling the game. It's just when I do get out there knowing exactly what I'm supposed to do and doing it to the best of my ability and making plays when the plays are to be made."

Washington acknowledged that Sanborn's role could expand in the future.

"Certain situations will come up, certain personnel groups," Washington said. "If we have a strong tendency from the offense that would allow us to get Jack on the field in a situation where we really believe he could help us, we'll definitely do that. He's a person that we have a lot of confidence in, and he also backs up all three linebacker positions, even nickel, so he's well-versed in what we're doing in nickel, and certainly when we go base we're excited to have him out there."

Making history

When Marcedes Lewis steps on the field Sunday against the Rams, he will set an NFL record for the most games played by a tight end with 272. He is currently tied with Jason Witten and one game ahead of Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez.

"It means everything," said Lewis, who's in his 19th NFL season. "Being available and durable is your best ability in this league. I'm just grateful that I have been able to be consistent throughout, and I haven't had anything serious ever happen to me, no surgeries or anything like that. I think that plays a big part in it. I'm just grateful and ready to go get this thing."

To put his longevity in perspective, when Lewis was selected by the Jaguars in the first round of the 2006 draft, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was four years old.

Lewis, who turned 40 on May 19, is part of a leadership group that was praised Thursday by Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.

"One thing I want to start out with was what a tremendous job I thought our leadership group did this week, knowing that we're working on improving on offense every single day," Waldron said.

"I thought Marcedes Lewis, Cole Kmet, DJ Moore, Caleb Williams, the energy they brought, the communication they brought, Monday, Tuesday through today, getting to our walk-throughs today, knowing that we're built the right way and looking to get better every single week as an offense."

Lewis acknowledged that the offense has not performed up to expectations so far this season. Asked what the unit must do moving forward, he said: "Being on the same page, being able to communicate out there. When we're out there in walk-throughs at practice, I've made a big emphasis on not keeping anything a secret. When we're out there practicing, it's the time to get on the same page whether it's the cadence, whether it's blocking schemes, just be on the same page because come Sunday you just want to be able to flow. You don't want to be out there not knowing what you've got or what to do. It's all about a flow and the rhythm and that's what we've got to find."

Injury update

Five members of the Bears defense did not practice Thursday: end Darrell Taylor (knee/illness), tackles Andrew Billings (knee) and Zacch Pickens (groin), cornerback Terell Smith (hip) and safety Kevin Byard III (back).

Receiver Keenan Allen (heel), left tackle Braxton Jones (knee) and fullback Khari Blasingame (hand/knee) were limited for the second straight day. Right tackle Darnell Wright (back) returned on a limited basis after sitting out Wednesday.

Receiver Rome Odunze (hip) was limited after practicing in full Wednesday. Defensive end Montez Sweat (elbow) and right guard Nate Davis (groin) worked out without restrictions after being limited Thursday.