Ratliff was released by the Bears on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

After accruing 6.5 sacks in just 11 games last season, Ratliff entered 2015 as the Bears' top defensive lineman, making his release an unexpected development. It appears his termination wasn't for performance-based reasons, as Ratliff's dismissal likely stemmed from a heated argument with GM Ryan Pace outside the Bears' practice facility Wednesday morning, according to ESPN Chicago's Jeff Dickerson. The Chicago Sun-Times' Adam Jahns reports that the confrontation required police intervention, with Ratliff ultimately escorted away from the premises. It's not clear what's next for the 34-year-old, whose off-the-field baggage and history of disruptive behavior in the locker room may give other teams pause in signing him.

Ratliff (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

EDGE Analysis

After serving a three-game suspension to begin the season and missing another game due to the ankle injury he sustained in the preseason, Ratliff is finally ready to make his 2015 debut. He's expected to start at the three-technique tackle spot, moving rookie Eddie Goldman to a bench role.

Ratliff (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

EDGE Analysis

The Bears added Ratliff back to the 53-man roster earlier this week after he completed his three-game suspension, but the defensive lineman is still feeling the effects of an ankle injury he suffered during the preseason. Ratliff had at least been able to participate in practice on a limited basis throughout the week, so there's some hope he'll be able to return to action next Sunday in Kansas City. With Ratliff out another week, Will Sutton and Eddie Goldman are likely to see extended snaps at nose tackle.

Ratliff has been added back to the Bears' 53-man roster after completing his three-game suspension, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Bears opened up a spot for Ratliff by trading away linebackers Jared Allen and Jon Bostic on Monday. Viewed as the Bears' top defensive lineman, Ratliff is expected to ascend back into the starting lineup at the three-technique tackle spot for the team's Week 4 matchup with the Raiders.

Ratliff was placed on the Bears' reserve/suspended list over the weekend, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's just a formality to open up a roster spot for the Bears while Ratliff sits out the first three games of the season for a violation of the league's substance-abuse policy. He'll reclaim a starting role at either defensive end or defensive tackle once he's activated for Week 4.

Ratliff is considered "week-to-week" after sustaining an ankle injury in Saturday's preseason loss to the Bengals, Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ratliff is set to serve a three-game suspension to open the year stemming from a violation of the league's substance-abuse policy, so in all likelihood, the injury won't prevent him for taking the field when eligible Week 4 against the Raiders. Rookie Eddie Goldman, Will Sutton, and Jarvis Jenkins are the most likely candidates to see increased snaps along the defensive line while Ratliff misses the first three games.

Ratliff finished the 2014 season with 37 tackles and 6.5 sacks over 11 games. After getting cut by the Cowboys last October, Ratliff's days as an impact interior lineman looked to be over, but he's enjoyed a surprising renaissance since latching on with the Bears. Though much of his pass-rushing contributions came in a 3.5-sack performance in Week 7 against the Dolphins, Ratliff and Stephen Paea combined to form a stout duo along the defensive line. With one more year remaining on his contract, look for Ratliff to occupy the three-technique spot for the Bears again in 2015.

Ratliff (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Vikings. Ratliff returned last weekend after missing two games, and while he was unable to practice this week, he'll give it a go in the regular-season finale despite the Bears long eliminated from playoff contention.

Ratliff (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against Minnesota. Ratliff was unable to practice this week, so he figures to be very limited if he manages to play.

Ratliff (knee) didn't practice Thursday, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports. Following a two-game absence, Ratliff has manned the trenches in back-to-back contests, posting four tackles (three solo) and one sack. If he upholds last week's practice schedule, he'll make his first appearance of the week in a limited capacity Friday, as he aims to add to his sack total (5.5 in 10 games) Sunday at Minnesota.