In any NFL game, teams are always relying on their reserve players to step up when needed, whether they need a clutch catch, a game-stopping sack, or an interception. But when you think of key reserves on the Chicago Bears, defensive back DeAndre Houston-Carson probably doesn’t come to mind. It’s about time he does and his teammates will tell you why.

Houston-Carson has been instrumental in the Bears last two wins, deflecting quarterback Tom Brady’s final pass of the game in their win against the Tampa Buccaneers and intercepting Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater on Sunday.

Houston-Carson made these plays despite only playing 22 defensive snaps over the last two weeks. Even though he may see limited playing time outside special teams, Houston-Carson’s teammates, past and present, made sure everyone knew the type of guy he is.

Bears Pro-Bowl defensive end Akiem Hicks, one of the leaders of the defense, went out of his way to praise Houston-Carson.

“One of the most disciplined players I’ve ever seen,” he said on Twitter.

Inside linebacker Josh Woods also was excited for his special teams running mate, as well.

Then, former Bear and current Packers safety Adrian Amos, who played with Houston-Carson from 2016-18, joined in and agreed with Hicks, saying “nobody works harder” than No. 36.

The praise and notoriety is a long time coming for Houston-Carson. Coming in as a sixth-round draft pick out of William & Mary, Houston-Carson found his way in and out of the lineup during his rookie season. Then, in 2017, he finally carved out a spot for himself on special teams, forcing two fumbles during the season. He would earn a key spot on the unit moving forward and became reliable on coverage alongside players such as defensive back Sherrick McManis and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.

Now, pressed into defensive duty thanks to an injury suffered by safety Deon Bush, Houston-Carson is making the most of his opportunity over the last two weeks.

“He’s come up so big in these situations, and that’s what it’s all about,” Bears head coach Matt Nagy told Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun Times.

It’s unclear how long Bush will be sidelined, meaning Houston-Carson will continue to see snaps on defense. But even with Bush at full strength, Houston-Carson is making a case for more playing time. It sounds like his defensive teammates wouldn’t mind that one bit.