Jack Sanborn Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Cowboys vs Lions game on Thursday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 3, 2025
Shifts to IR
Sanborn (groin) was placed on the injured reserve list Monday.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn had already been ruled out for Monday night's matchup against the Cardinals, but he'll now be forced to miss Dallas' next four games after being placed on IR. The Wisconsin product appeared in six games prior to injury, recording 34 total tackles and one pass defended. Expect Shemar James to operate as the Cowboys' top middle linebacker while Sanborn is sidelined.
Nov 1, 2025
Missing second straight
Sanborn (groin) has been ruled ahead of Monday's game against the Cardinals, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn will be in for his second consecutive absence after being unable to practice in any capacity throughout the week. He was supplanted as a starting linebacker in Week 5, though he still contributes some defensive snaps as well as on special teams.
Oct 30, 2025
Still working through groin injury
Sanborn (groin) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn was unable to play against the Broncos this past Sunday due to a groin injury, which he appeared to pick up on gameday. The injury prevented him from practicing Thursday, and he'll need to return to practice in at least a limited capacity over the next two days in order to have a chance at playing against Arizona on Monday.
Oct 26, 2025
Won't play due to groin injury
Sanborn was added to the Cowboys' injury report due to a groin injury, and he has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Broncos.
ANALYSIS
It's unclear when Sanborn sustained the injury, as he was not listed on the Cowboys' injury report during Week 8 prep. However, the injury is severe enough for the fourth-year linebacker to not suit up against Denver. With Sanborn set to be inactive and DeMarvion Overshown (knee) still on the reserve/PUP list, Damone Clark will serve as the Cowboys' lone reserve linebacker on the active roster behind Marist Liufau, Shemar James and Kenneth Murray.
Oct 22, 2025
Loses role
Sanborn did not record a tackle in Sunday's 44-22 win over the Commanders.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn returned from a one-game absence caused by a concussion, but he did not regain his role as a starter in the middle of the defense. Instead, Shemar James and Kenneth Murray served as the Cowboys' primary linebackers. Sanborn did not record a defensive snap, but he did play six on special teams.
Oct 17, 2025
Cleared to play vs. Washington
Sanborn (concussion) does not have an injury designation heading into Sunday's game against the Commanders, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn was a full participant in the last two practices of the week. The 25-year-old linebacker has cleared the league's five-step concussion protocol ahead of Sunday's NFC East bout, and his return will mean less snaps on defense for Marist Liufau. Sanborn logged 34 tackles (16 solo) and one pass defense through the first five games of the season prior to his injury.
Oct 16, 2025
Full practice Thursday
Sanborn (concussion) was a full participant at practice Thursday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn has now progressed from a limited participant Wednesday to a full go Thursday, but it's unclear if he's cleared concussion protocol quite yet. The linebacker will look to log another full practice Friday ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Commanders.
Oct 15, 2025
Returns to limited practice
Sanborn (concussion) practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
This is a step in a positive direction for Sanborn, who didn't practice at all last week and missed this past Sunday's game against Carolina. However, the fourth-year linebacker will need to clear concussion protocol in order to be eligible to suit up in Week 7 against Washington. Sanborn was hurt in the first half of the game against the Jets on Sunday, Oct. 5.
Oct 10, 2025
Won't play against Carolina
Sanborn (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Clarence Hill Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn was unable to practice this past week and will remain in the league's concussion protocol. His next opportunity to play will be Week 7 against the Commanders on Sunday, Oct. 19, though he'll have to return to practice in at least a limited capacity next week to have a chance at returning. Shemar James is the top candidate to start at middle linebacker in Sanborn's absence.
Oct 9, 2025
Remains unavailable Thursday
Sanborn (concussion) did not practice Thursday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn suffered a concussion in Week 5 against the Jets, and he has now opened the week unavailable at each of the team's first two practices of the week. If Sanborn is unable to go Sunday against the Panthers, Shemar James would stand to draw a start at middle linebacker in Week 6.
Oct 8, 2025
Doesn't practice Wednesday
Sanborn (concussion) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn entered concussion protocol after taking a hit to the head during the Cowboys' Week 5 win over the Jets. The fourth-year linebacker would have to return to practice this week and be cleared from the league's protocol by an independent neurologist in order to play against the Panthers on Sunday. Rookie fifth-rounder Shemar James logged 15 tackles in Week 5 and would be in line to start against Carolina if Sanborn is not cleared to play.
Oct 5, 2025
Won't return vs. NYJ
Sanborn has been diagnosed with a concussion and will not return Sunday against the Jets, Joe Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News reports.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn went to the locker room with medical staff in the first half after taking a hit to the head, where he was diagnosed with a concussion after undergoing tests. Marist Liufau and Shemar James will see more work on defense for the second half in Sanborn's absence.
Oct 5, 2025
Being evaluated for concussion
Sanborn is being evaluated for a concussion and is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Jets, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn was taken back to the locker room after taking a hit to the head, where he will undergo further tests for a concussion. Shemar James and Marist Liufau are in line to see more snaps at linebacker for as long as Sanborn is out of the game.
Sep 29, 2025
Team-high 11 tackles Sunday
Sanborn racked up 11 tackles (six solo) and one pass defended in Sunday's 40-40 overtime tie with the Packers.
ANALYSIS
It's the first time this season that Sanborn has reached double digits in tackles, but so far he's enjoying the benefits of a starting role in a Matt Eberflus defense. Through four games, the former Bear has 32 tackles, only three behind the total he amassed over 17 regular-season contests in 2024 and about halfway to his career high of 65, set in 2023.
Sep 23, 2025
Leads way with seven tackles
Sanborn finished Sunday's 31-14 loss to the Bears with seven tackles (three solo).
ANALYSIS
Sanborn has logged at least six tackles in each of the first three games of the regular season, and his 21 tackles is second most on the Cowboys behind Kenneth Murray (22). Sanborn started in 19 regular-season games over the first three years of his NFL career with the Bears, but the Wisconsin product has started in each of the first three games of the 2025 campaign. Next up is a home bout against the Packers on Sunday.
Sep 5, 2025
Gets six stops Thursday
Sanborn recorded six tackles (two solo) during Thursday's 24-20 loss at Philadelphia.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn played a significant role in the Cowboys' season opener, playing 48 of their 63 defensive snaps, and he came away with a decent day in the stat sheet to show for it. It's not likely Dallas will see quite such a heavy dose of the run again in Week 2 when they host the Giants, so Sanborn could spend more time in coverage in that contest.
Mar 12, 2025
Inks deal with Dallas
The Cowboys signed Sanborn to a one-year deal Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The 24-year-old linebacker from Wisconsin will reunite with Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who served as the Bears' head coach for most of Sanborn's three-year tenure in Chicago. Sanborn had the worst year of his career in 2024, tallying a career-low 35 total tackles, including 1.5 sacks, along with three passes defended over 17 regular-season appearances and 228 defensive snaps. Now in Dallas, he's expected to compete for the one of the team's starting inside linebacker roles.
Mar 4, 2025
Headed for free agency
Chicago will not tender Sanborn, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn's per-snap production in 2024 was actually comparable to what it was in his 2023 season, in which he logged 65 tackles. However, he couldn't get onto the field as much last year, resulting in a relatively disappointing tackle total (35) for the campaign. The Bears could still sign him again, but they may now have to compete with other bidders.
Jan 6, 2025
Worst season of career
Sanborn recorded one tackle in the Bears' 24-22 win over the Packers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn had posted 64 and 65 tackles during his first two seasons in the league. In 2024, the veteran ended the season with 35 stops and 1.5 sacks in 17 games. The biggest issue was that the Bears followed a trend in the league in which teams often use two linebackers on the field, instead of the traditional three or four. The defensive scheme resulted in Sanborn playing just 22 percent of the snaps. He'll be a restricted free agent this offseason.
Sep 16, 2024
Notches sack
Sanborn posted two tackles and a sack in the Bears' 19-13 loss to the Texans on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
With the Bears often playing with two linebackers on the field, Sanborn is often the odd-man out. In this game, he played just 18 percent of the snaps, and Sanborn now has just two tackles on the season. The lack of playing time makes him difficult to count on in IDP leagues.
Aug 6, 2024
Listed as starting linebacker
Sanborn is listed at the starting outside linebacker ahead of Noah Sewell.
ANALYSIS
After last year's Week 13 bye, Sanborn played fewer than 20 percent of the snaps in each contest. Prior to that time, the linebacker had a number of games in which he played elevated snaps when Chicago dealt with linebacker injuries. Since 2022, when Sanborn has called upon to start, he has compiled high tackle totals, making him an excellent IDP in those cases. If the veteran can hold off Sewell for the starting role, Sanborn could be a sneaky IDP option.
Jan 13, 2024
Finishes season with 66 tackles
Sanborn completed his second year with the Bears, playing in 17 games, resulting in 66 tackles, a sack and an interception.
ANALYSIS
After the Week 13 bye, Sanborn played between 12 and 20 percent of the snaps in each game, which represented his lowest snap totals of the season. The only time the linebacker played in a full-time role was in Weeks 9 and 10, when the Bears had injuries to starters. Going back to 2022, when Sanborn has been called upon to start, he compiles high tackle totals, making him an excellent IDP. However, he'll likely remain a rotational player as he goes into the last year of his contact with Chicago in 2024.
Nov 19, 2023
Posts first sack of 2023
Sanborn tallied five stops and a sack in the Bears' 31-26 loss to the Lions on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
With Tremaine Edmunds returning from a knee injury, Sanborn immediately saw a drop in his tackle totals. It's unlikely he'll put up the strong numbers he recorded in Weeks 8-10 unless one of the Bears' other top linebackers misses time. For now, Sanborn will be a solid floor option in IDP leagues.
Nov 19, 2023
Will take the field
Sanborn (ankle) is active Sunday against the Lions.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn was unable to practice Friday, but he's feeling well enough to play Sunday. He should remain one of the Bears' starters at outside linebacker.
Nov 17, 2023
Questionable with ankle injury
Sanborn (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Detroit.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn did not participate at practice Friday, so it seems like he's trending towards missing his first game of the season in Week 11. If so, Dylan Cole could make a start at linebacker Sunday.
Nov 5, 2023
Strong performance
Sanborn recorded 10 tackles in the Bears' 24-17 loss to the Saints on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn started in place of Tremaine Edmunds (knee). Going back to last year, whenever Sanborn is pressed into a starting role, he is a top IDP at linebacker. There's no word as to whether Edmunds will miss additional time, but if he does, Sanborn should be rostered in most league formats.
Oct 30, 2023
Surprises with big game
Sanborn tallied eight tackles in the Bears' 30-13 loss to the Chargers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn saw an elevated snap count when Tremaine Edmunds (knee) left the contest early. As we saw when Chicago traded away Roquan Smith last year, if Sanborn has to step in for Edmunds for any period of time, he'll be an instant starting IDP, capable of double-digit tackles in games.
Oct 15, 2023
Best game of season
Sanborn registered eight stops in the Bears' 19-13 loss to the Vikings on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn is typically a part-time player, and this was the first game he recorded more than five tackles in a game. If his role begins to increase, his IDP value could rise quickly after we saw him post strong numbers near the end of the 2022 season.
Sep 24, 2023
Picks off pass
Sanborn tallied three tackles and intercepted a pass in the Bears' 41-10 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
After being a string IDP option in the latter part of 2022, Sanborn is now a situational player who's averaging less than four tackles per game. In his current role, he's a low upside IDP option.
Aug 15, 2023
Facing competition for starting job
Sanborn may need to hold off Noah Sewell for the Bears' starting job at middle linebacker, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn was a high-impact IDP option when taking over the starting job when Roquan Smith was traded last year. During the Bears' first preseason game, Sanborn missed a couple tackles while Sewell has been been very impressive in camp. For now, it seems as if Sanborn has the No. 1 role, but there is a possibility that Sewell closes in on the job.
Jul 28, 2023
Working his way back
Sanborn, who was placed on injured reserve in December after suffering an ankle injury, is participating in training camp practices, Sean Hammond of the Daily Herald reports.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn worked his way to a starting role for the Bears in 2022 after they traded Roquan Smith to the Ravens. Sanborn finished the season with 64 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery in 14 games and averaged 11 tackles per game as a starter. He was cleared by doctors earlier in the week and is being reincorporated into practice slowly after spending the spring rehabbing from his ankle injury. Once healthy, Sanborn figures to play a prominent role in the linebacker corps alongside T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds.
Jan 8, 2023
Ends season on injured reserve
Sanborn ended the season with 64 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble over 15 games played.
ANALYSIS
After the Bears traded away Roquan Smith, Sanborn (knee) moved into a full-time role until suffering a season-ending injury in Week 15. During his time as starter, he averaged 11 tackles per game and was an elite IDP option. If he returns healthy in 2023, he should resume his status as a strong IDP option. He's signed through the 2024 season.
Dec 20, 2022
Headed to IR
Chicago will place Sanborn (ankle) on injured reserve Tuesday, which will end his 2022 campaign, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Since taking over as a full-time starter in Week 9, Sanborn totaled 59 tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble, so his absence will be a huge blow to Chicago's defense. However, the undrafted rookie's performance after the trade of Roquan Smith has to leave the Bears brass thinking they have a long-term find in the Wisconsin linebacker.
Dec 18, 2022
Won't return Sunday
Sanborn (ankle) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn logged five solo tackles before going down with an ankle injury early in the second half. While the nature and severity of this issue are still unclear, the undrafted rookie will now have a slightly short week to recover before Saturday's game against the Bills. Sanborn has stepped up into a bigger role since the trade of star middle linebacker Roquan Smith, logging double-digit tackles in each of the previous four games. In his stead, Matt Adams will likely see increased usage alongside Nicholas Morrow.
Dec 18, 2022
Exits game with ankle injury
Sanborn (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's game versus Philadelphia, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn appeared to get rolled up on during an awkward play and then left the field under his own power. Veteran Joe Thomas should see an expanded role in the rookie's absence.
Dec 4, 2022
Continues to post big numbers
Sanborn recorded 11 tackles in the Bears' 28-19 loss to the Packers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn has at least 11 tackles in three of his five starts while not posting fewer than seven stops in any of those games, and he'll remain an elite IDP option for the foreseeable future.
Nov 27, 2022
Career-high tackle total
Sanborn tallied 15 stops in the Bears' 31-10 loss to the Jets on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn has recorded at least nine tackles in each of his last three games, and he's been an elite IDP option since taking over the linebacker spot when Roquan Smith was traded.
Nov 20, 2022
Recovers fumble in losing effort
Sanborn tallied nine tackles and a fumble recovery in the Bears' 27-24 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Sanborn has posted at least seven tackles in each of his three starts, and he's averaging nine tackles, making him a high-end IDP option. His role on the defense should continue to produce for the duration of the season.
Nov 13, 2022
Strong performance
Sanborn tallied 12 tackles and two sacks in the Bears' 31-30 loss to the Lions on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
In his second game since taking over the starting job after Roquan Smith was traded, Sanborn was the best IDP option among the Chicago defenders. He was the only Bears' player to record a sack, and the next closest defender to his tackle total fell five stops short of Sanborn. He's averaging 9.5 tackles and a sack in his two starts, and he appears to be a strong IDP option going forward.
Nov 6, 2022
Solid in Chicago debut
Sanborn tallied seven tackles in the Bears' 35-32 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
With Chicago having traded away Roquan Smith, Sanborn stepped into a significant role on defense. It's unclear as to whether he retain a similar role going forward, but IDP managers in need of a linebacker who has a possibility of becoming a factor may consider adding him to rosters.
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