Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson left practice after being told of benching

Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has come under harsh criticism following his mental lapse during a Hail Mary that gave the Washington Commanders an improbable win last Sunday. There's been plenty of discussion about potential punishment, where the Chicago Tribune's Dan Wiederer even said signs were pointing to Stevenson not starting against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9.

While head coach Matt Eberflus declined to reveal whether Stevenson would be dealt any punishment, it certainly appears that Stevenson is being benched after his actions in Week 8. And it doesn't sound like he handled it well.

FOX NFL insider Jay Glazer revealed that Stevenson pulled himself out of practice after learning he was being demoted for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

"That didn't go over well in the locker room," Glazer said Sunday morning.

Stevenson apologized to his teammates after the incident, and they had his back all week in practice. But as Glazer noted, leaving practice after receiving a warranted punishment isn't a good look and likely didn't sit well with the team.

With Stevenson not starting, it'll be last year's fifth-round pick Terell Smith making his first start of the season opposite Jaylon Johnson on the outside.

While Stevenson might not be getting the start, that doesn't mean he won't necessarily see some action, perhaps in a rotational role. But the door certainly appears to be open for Smith to make a statement and case for the starting job with a strong performance. Especially given Stevenson's reported actions in practice this week.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson left practice after being told of benching