Earlier today, head coach Ben Johnson said, “Today will be our longest practice yet, and we will have some thumping,” and that physicality led to numerous Chicago Bears players leaving the field. We’ll pass along specific injury information if we get it, but for now, here’s who were dinged up: Left tackle Braxton Jones, defensive end Montez Sweat, cornerback Dallis Flowers, and safety Gervarrius Owens. Also, Jaylon Jones wasn’t on the field late in practice, which may or may not be injury-related.
Today’s practice was “chippy” per CHGO’s Adam Jahns. “Lots of shoving. A couple skirmishes.”
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“The Bears’ 7-on-9 run drills were so physical that D’Marco Jackson needed a new facemask,” shared Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Speaking of Jackson, “D’Marco Jackson in the backfield quickly on a blitz. Would have had a sack on Caleb Williams,” per the Bear Report’s Zack Pearson.
Another from Pearson regarding the first play of live 11 on 11, “Caleb Williams hits Rome Odunze over middle. He turns it up field and breaks a tackle from Cam Lewis for a touchdown of 43 yards. Offense all ran down to celebrate and was fired up.”
From the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs, “Cairo Santos was just 6-for-6 in FG period – distances of 56, 50, 40, 33, 56 and 47 yards.” And fyi, the long snapper rotation continues.
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Per The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain, “Down 3 with 1:41 to go, Bears offense goes 65 yards ending with a Caleb Williams strike to Luther Burden for a touchdown to end practice. QB1 was 6-for-6 on the drive.”
So the first play of live 11-on-11 was a TD to Rome, and the last play was a TD to Burden!
CHGO’s Greg Braggs called today’s overall practice “an up and down day” from the offense. He also pointed out that the “defense made their fair share of plays” while spotlighting flashes from Austin Booker, Gervon Dexter, and Dayo Odeyingbo. Plus, he called out “Early Training Camp hero” wide receiver Kaden Davis for his 3 impressive catches.
Here’s your daily reminder that we’re just talking ’bout practice.
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A few other nuggets from the day.
Brad Biggs said that Braxton Jones appears to be “fine” but will need to be checked out to be sure, but “sounds positive.” (link)
Kiran Amegadjie and Jedrick Wills Jr. rotated at left tackle with the starters with Jones out.
Daniel Hardy mostly filled in at defensive end with Montez Sweat out, with Dayo Odeyingbo also getting some reps there, but Dayo was inside at defensive tackle a lot today. (link)
Defensive lineman Shemar Turner (PUP list/Knee) was on a side field getting in some work. (link)
Rookie defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg got some work with the ones in an early 11-on-11 drill, and he flashed a bit in one-on-ones, too. (link)
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“Rookie Jordan van den Berg continues to showcase impressive raw power during competitive periods. Brute strength shows up in one-on-one settings,” shared The Athletic’s Dan Wiederer.
Rookie Malik Muhammad was with the ones at nickel with Jaylon Jones out.
Cam Lewis, who figures to start at safety while Coby Bryant is out, was getting in some work at corner today. Anthony Johnson Jr. got some work with the starters at safety. (link)
UDFA Skyler Thomas also got looks at safety with the ones. (link) “And Colston Loveland proceeds to dust him with a diving catch on a deep crosser.”
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen shuffled a lot of different defensive backs in with the ones today.
And a few videos from the day.
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