How ready is Khalil Mack to start the 2019 season?
"So. (Bleeping). Ready," the Bears pass rusher told the Chicago Tribune on Monday.
Mack sat out the entire preseason but is set to see game action for the first time in eight months on Thursday when the Bears host the Packers for the 2019 NFL regular-season opener.
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"It’s been so long, I feel like," Mack said. "I’m looking forward to going out there Thursday and getting to the grind with my brothers."
Mack earned his third All-Pro and fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection in 2018 as the Bears went 12-4 and won the NFC North for the first time since 2010 in an effort that he credits to both team building and bonding.
“We’re about camaraderie, man,” Mack said. “Just playing for each other. There’s no selfish guy in the room, in this whole building. You can feel it when you’re in the huddle. You can feel it when you’re playing. Everybody’s playing for each other. That’s ultimately what this game is all about.”
But Mack is most excited about releasing his fury after the Eagles eliminated the Bears in the wild-card round of last season's playoffs.
"I can’t wait to go out and take this out on somebody else," Mack said.
Chicago and Green Bay will renew the league's oldest rivalry in kicking off the NFL's 100th season at 8:30 p.m. ET Thursday.