If all goes well, this is expected to be the final step in the process of unwinding after a tumultuous week that began with him gesturing toward the fans instead of laying a body on Brown before the game-winning catch.

Stevenson apologized publicly on social media on the night of the match, saying: “Notes taken, there will be improvement.” He then personally apologized to his teammates on Monday, later telling reporters, “I know I let them down and those guys hold me to a higher standard, like everyone else in this building.” …I let the moment become too big and it is something that should never happen again.”

Today’s demotion is the final step in the process, and the hope is that it will only be a week-long disciplinary measure.

What the Bears want is for Stevenson to get better from this. It’s also clear, sources say, that teammates and coaches support Stevenson for how he handled the aftermath and who he is as a player and person. The key is that this is a small mistake, and not the start of a bigger problem.

Head coach Matt Eberflus said last Monday that Stevenson’s job at the Hail Mary was to eliminate Brown, but instead he arrived late and tapped the ball to Brown. Although the viral video showed him exuberant Commanders fans, Stevenson clarified, “I was just cheering with some Bears fans and the Washington fans reacted however they wanted.”

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