Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson is not in the starting lineup Sunday against the Cardinals after the Hail Mary game

If all goes well, this is expected to be the final step in the process of recovering from a tumultuous week that began with him signaling to fans before the game-winning catch rather than punishing Brown.

Stevenson apologized publicly on social media the night of the game, saying, “Notes taken, improvements will occur.” He then personally apologized to his teammates on Monday, later telling reporters, “I know I let them down and that these guys have higher standards for me than everyone else in this building. … I let the moment get too big, and that's something.” That can never happen again.

Today's demotion is the final step in that process and it is hoped it will only be a one-week disciplinary action.

What the Bears want is for Stevenson to get better as a result. According to sources, it is also clear that teammates and coaches support Stevenson for how he has handled the fallout and who he is as a player and person. The key is that this is a small mistake and not the start of a larger problem.

Head coach Matt Eberflus said last Monday that Stevenson's job in the Hail Mary was to box out Brown, but instead he arrived late and passed the ball to Brown. While the viral video made it seem like he was talking about Commanders fans, Stevenson clarified, “I was just cheering with some Bears fans and the Washington fans reacted the way they wanted.”

The result was an iconic game for the Commanders and Daniels, and a game that will live on in infamy for the Bears after a game they thought they had won. The plan is to learn the lessons and move on.