LAKE FOREST – Matt Everflas faces a challenge with his Bears team at Harrahs Hall this week after Dummer Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during Monday’s game in Buffalo.
In addition to preparing for the team’s final game of the 2022 season, he’s also making sure everyone is taking care of their mental health after a traumatic situation involving the Bills’ safety.
That includes the Everflus, who revealed at a press conference Wednesday at Harrahs Hall that the Vikings practice will begin and the team as a whole will continue to make it a priority.
When asked about his thoughts on whether the players would find it difficult to focus on preparing for the season finale in light of Hamlin’s situation, Eberhulls said, “I’m personally more worried about them now. “Again, the time to work on things gives them the space to do it and to really process what’s going on.
“We’ll get back to our business in terms of walking and walking the play, and then we’ll work on tomorrow.”
The Bears held a walkthrough session on Wednesday prior to regular practices on Thursday and Friday ahead of the game at Soldier Field. Seeing how they perform in various drill and scrimmage situations, Eberflus hopes coaches and teams will observe how players mentally handle the week. .
This includes making Carla Suber, the team’s mental health clinician, available to players who need it.
“The only concern is where they are in mental space right now. It doesn’t matter how a player or anyone reacts to that situation,” Everflus said. “Everything’s going to be different and everyone is different and that’s okay. We’re here and we’re supporting each other. I told them to discuss it and visit us today about it.
“If they want to take advantage of it, we offer Carla to help out after practice if needed.”
As the team’s leader on the field, Ebeflus himself strives to speak openly to his players when needed.
“I want to hear all of their feelings. That’s what’s important to me,” Everflus said.
