Opportunity arises for Bears NT Goldman after Ratliff suspension

Nose tackle Jeremiah Ratliff was suspended by the league for the first three games of the 2015 NFL season on Monday, leaving a gaping hole right in the middle of the Chicago Bears' defensive line. On Monday, Raliff promised fans that he'll be ready to go upon his Week 4 return, according to the Bears' official Twitter account.

#Bears DL Jeremiah Ratliff on suspension: "I’m going to do what I have to do and I’ll come back Week 4 and be ready to play.”
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 24, 2015

Until then, however, the Bears need someone to fill the void. The most likely next man up is second-round rookie Eddie Goldman, a Florida State product who has progressed steadily this summer.

"I think he’s had a good camp," Bears head coach John Fox said, per Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times. "He’s still learning. It’s a new level, like going from JV to varsity, kind of like that going from college ball to pro football.

"But I like what I’ve seen. He’s stout; he’s learning to transition faster, recognizing the run and pass, the difference; He’s a big body that pushes the pocket. I like where he’s headed."

At 21 years old and 332 pounds, Goldman is 12 years younger and 29 pounds heavier than Ratliff (both D-linemen are 6-foot-4). If the rookie adjusts to his new role quickly, he could turn out to be a major upgrade over the aging veteran.

(h/t Chicago Sun-Times)