Training Camp Report

Bears rookie left tackle Braxton Jones continues to make the big leap from an FCS program to the NFL, in part by testing himself against one of the league's top pass rushers in veteran defensive end Robert Quinn.

With rookie holder Trenton Gill joining kicker Cairo Santos and long-snapper Patrick Scales, the Bears' field-goal operation appears to already be in sync.

Bears receiver Isaiah Coulter is seeing opportunities at practice increase and using his offseason work with Darnell Mooney and Justin Fields to step up.

With the Bears preparing to open their preseason Saturday against the Chiefs at Soldier Field, their offensive line is excited to test itself in actual game conditions.

The Bears' injury-depleted receiving corps suffered another blow during Tuesday's Family Fest practice at Soldier Field when veteran David Moore exited after getting tangled up with a defensive back.

Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams shared his thoughts Sunday on which players have stepped up in recent training camp practices, his philosophy on blitzing and more.

Bears second-year tackle Teven Jenkins was back at practice on a limited basis Saturday, participating solely in individual drills after sitting out the previous seven workouts with an undisclosed injury.

Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy shared his thoughts Friday on tight end Cole Kmet being primed to take the next step and the latest on competition for jobs at receiver and on the offensive line.

Both Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and receiver Darnell Mooney have noticed Justin Fields' work ethic, focus and competitive drive every day they spend with the second-year quarterback.

With the Bears learning a new offense under first-year coordinator Luke Getsy, the unit remains very much a work in progress. But quarterback Justin Fields is encouraged by the strides he and his teammates are taking.

Bears rookie safety Jaquan Brisker continues to demonstrate his ball skills and instincts in training camp practices while working with a first-team defense that's focused on generating takeaways.

Honing his mind and body during the Bears' five-week summer hiatus has enabled rookie left tackle Braxton Jones to carry the momentum he created in offseason practices into training camp.

After a disappointing 2021 season for the Bears pass defense, cornerback Jaylon Johnson already sees improvement in a secondary that was bothered by the addition of top draft picks Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker.

After opening training camp with five non-contact practices, the Bears will conduct their first padded workout Tuesday at Halas Hall. "It's an exciting time," said coach Matt Eberflus. "It's going to be a big day for us."

Bears coach Matt Eberflus has been impressed with defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad's work ethic since their days together with the Colts, saying: "He doesn't take plays off. 'Mo' just goes hard every play, and he's made a career of it."

Running back David Montgomery's steely resolve and tenacity is fueled by being overlooked as a college recruit and in the NFL Draft—as well as knowing that he's due to become a father in January.

Speaking to the media Saturday, Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams discussed what impresses him most about end Robert Quinn, what traits have enabled rookie Kyler Gordon to line up at two positions and more.

Playing on a Bears defense that coach Matt Eberflus vows will be fanatical about generating takeaways, top draft picks Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker both recorded interceptions in team drills during Friday's practice.

All four rookie offensive linemen the Bears selected on Day 3 of this year's draft saw first-team reps in Friday's training camp practice. The next-man-up approach was necessary because three veterans were held out of the workout.

Bears receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Cole Kmet both displayed their playmaking ability in Thursday's training camp practice, hauling in downfield passes from quarterback Justin Fields while surrounded by defenders.

As one of the last remaining veterans on the Bears defense, safety Eddie Jackson is determined to improve his play and become more of a leader.

After three underwhelming seasons with the Patriots, receiver N'Keal Harry joins the Bears with a large chip on his shoulder, determined to prove he can be a dominant NFL player.

Along with improving his craft going into Year 3 of his NFL career, Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson is making a point to continue familiarizing himself with the new faces inside Halas Hall.

After reporting to training camp Tuesday and participating in the first practice Wednesday, veteran defensive end Robert Quinn told reporters that he wants to continue playing for the Bears.

Bears quarterback Justin Fields is motivated not by what others think he can or can't do, but by his love for a game he's played since he was a child. Said Fields: "I just want to be great. This is my life."

With Bears veterans reporting to Halas Hall Tuesday, GM Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus spoke to the media about expectations for training camp, the status of Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith and much more.

Coach Matt Nagy was pleased with how Bears players approached training camp, which concluded Thursday following a padded practice at Halas Hall, saying: "I like mentally where we're at."

Having decided to play an 18th NFL season at age 39 because he still loves the game, left tackle Jason Peters joined the Bears primarily due to his familiarity with coach Matt Nagy and offensive line coach Juan Castillo.

Reinforcements arrived for the Bears offensive line Monday, with left tackle Jason Peters, right guard James Daniels and right tackle Germain Ifedi all on the practice field together for the first time in training camp.

No one was happier to see the 800 or so members of the military at Bears practice Thursday than tight end Jimmy Graham, a long-time military supporter who was born on an Army base.

With Andy Dalton set to start the Bears' regular season opener against the Rams, the veteran quarterback will watch from the sideline as rookie Justin Fields opens Saturday's preseason finale in Tennessee.

Bears coordinators Bill Lazor (offense), Sean Desai (defense) and Chris Tabor (special teams) spoke to the media Thursday about center Sam Mustipher, cornerback Jaylon Johnson and other key players.

The Bears may be in the dog days of training camp, but star outside linebacker Khalil Mack insists that it's not difficult for him to maintain a high energy level, saying: "It's not hard when you love the game and you want to come out and get better every day."

Bears coach Matt Nagy divulged Thursday how much starting quarterback Andy Dalton and backup Justin Fields are expected to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Bills. 

Bears rookie tackle Teven Jenkins will undergo back surgery Wednesday, coach Matt Nagy disclosed during his daily press conference at Halas Hall. Nagy added that "the goal is to get him back this season."

After revealing Wednesday that starting quarterback Andy Dalton will likely play 8-10 snaps in Saturday's preseason opener against the Dolphins, coach Matt Nagy said Thursday that rookie backup Justin Fields is expected to play into the second half.

Fueled by a fierce inner drive, David Montgomery runs with passion and aggression when he has the ball in his hands.

Bears kicker Cairo Santos made several crucial field goals during a record-breaking 2020 season, but his watershed moment came after one that he missed in a Week 3 win over the Falcons.

Now fully healthy, safety Eddie Jackson was thrilled to rejoin his Bears teammates on the practice field after sitting out the first 13 days of training camp, saying: "I'm happy to be back, excited, just ready to compete."

The Bears have released their first unofficial depth chart in advance of Saturday's preseason opener against the Dolphins at Soldier Field.

After an impactful rookie season last year, Bears 2020 fifth-round draft pick Darnell Mooney is taking his game to an even higher level in training camp as he prepares for his second NFL season.

Speaking to reporters during training camp at Halas Hall, Bears position coaches offered their takes on key players such as tight end Cole Kmet, linebacker Roquan Smith and others.

With three of their top tackles sidelined, the Bears are giving rookie Larry Borom a chance to show what he can do. And so far, the fifth-round draft pick is making the most of the opportunity.

Expectations are high this season for Bears veteran linebacker Danny Trevathan, who arrived at training camp in excellent condition after incorporating boxing into his offseason training regimen.

Bears quarterbacks Andy Dalton, Justin Fields and Nick Foles all spoke to the media Monday at Halas Hall. Here's the latest news on the trio.

Fueled by the same mentality he had as an undrafted free agent, Bears starting center Sam Mustipher bulked up during the offseason by spending more time in the weight room and at the dinner table.

Bears coordinators Bill Lazor (offense), Sean Desai (defense) and Chris Tabor (special teams) spoke to reporters Friday about Andy Dalton's grasp of the offense, the need to generate more takeaways on defense and more.

Bears second-year tight end Cole Kmet described his participation in a three-day summit for the NFL's top tight ends this summer in Nashville as "one of the coolest things I've done."

Signed by the Bears in free agency, speedy veteran receivers Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd are making a positive first impression early in training camp.

Saying that opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns "really took a toll on me," Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman was ecstatic to practice with his teammates for the first time since December 2019.

Bears starting quarterback Andy Dalton is confident that the offense will excel in multiple areas this season, saying: "I feel like with this offense and the players that we have, I think we can be pretty versatile."

In kicking off training camp Tuesday at Halas Hall, GM Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy discussed Eddie Goldman's status, how much starters will play in preseason games and much more.

With the departure of key backup inside linebackers Nick Kwiatkoski and Kevin Pierre-Louis, third-year pro Joel Iyiegbuniwe may play a larger role for the Bears this season.

After missing 11 games last season due to injury, Bears veteran defensive tackle Akiem Hicks is excited to get back into action.

The quarterback competition between Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles unofficially ended Wednesday when the Bears held their final padded practice of training camp. But with no definitive winner, coach Matt Nagy is tasked with a difficult decision.

Bears rookie cornerback Kindle Vildor discusses his transition to the NFL, learning a new position and his relationship with teammates Buster Skrine and Jaylon Johnson.

Bears veteran left tackle Charles Leno discusses adjustments in the offensive line's outlook.

Khalil Mack's younger brother, Ledarius, is an undrafted rookie trying to earn a roster spot with the Bears.

Matt Nagy understands the importance of establishing an identity on offense this season, something the Bears coach conceded was lacking last year. But Nagy realizes it's not an overnight process.

Confident that his ankle injury is behind him, receiver Allen Robinson is excited to be part of a Bears offense that he believes is stocked with playmakers, saying: "We've got a lot of people who can do a lot of things."

The under-the-radar signing of veteran free agent Demetrius Harris in February is already paying dividends in the Bears' revamped tight end room.

Bears rookie outside linebacker Trevis Gipson, a fifth-round draft pick from Tulsa, is getting acclimated to the NFL following a complicated offseason while learning a new position.

Although Cordarrelle Patterson has been working at running back in training camp, the Bears' eight-year veteran sees himself as a versatile performer capable of producing at multiple positions.

In his first season with the Bears, veteran receiver Ted Ginn Jr. has acted as both a student in learning a new playbook as well as a mentor to young receivers on the roster.

With the entire preseason cancelled due to COVID-19, the Bears held a dress rehearsal for the regular season via a two-hour scrimmage Saturday afternoon at Soldier Field.

Bears coach Matt Nagy revealed after Saturday's scrimmage at Soldier Field that he will not announce the winner of the quarterback competition between Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles prior to the regular season opener.

Bears running back David Montgomery exited Wednesday's practice after sustaining a groin injury. The second-year pro will be further evaluated, with coach Matt Nagy telling reporters: "We don't know the severity."

First-year Bears offensive line coach Juan Castillo is giving more leadership responsibilities to center Cody Whitehair—and the veteran lineman is enjoying the expanded role.

Coach Matt Nagy revealed that the Bears plan to keep two kickers this season. The team has yet to decide whether both will be on the 53-man roster or one will be kept on the practice squad.

After a disappointing 2019, Bears running back Tarik Cohen is focused on regaining his 2018 form, saying: "The season I had last year was definitely not my best work. I definitely have to get that bitter taste out of my mouth."

Once a big Jimmy Graham fan, rookie tight end Cole Kmet is thrilled that the player he admired as a kid is quickly becoming his mentor with the Bears.

In what coach Matt Nagy described as "the year of the contingency plan," the Bears moved Sunday's practice from 9:20 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. following nine false positive COVID-19 tests.

Dripping with sweat while working out during a video call with the media, Bears star outside linebacker Khalil Mack candidly discussed his determination to rebound this season after not performing up to his own high standards last year.

The Bears on Saturday continued to prepare for their Sept. 13 season opener in Detroit, holding their first live-tackling periods of training camp during a scrimmage-like practice at Halas Hall.

Bears running back David Montgomery slimmed down in the offseason by changing his diet, hoping to be more productive in his second NFL season than he was as a rookie last year.

Bears receivers coach Mike Furrey is pleased with the progress that third-year pro Javon Wims is making in training camp, especially in regard to working diligently to improve weaknesses in his game.

New Bears tight end Jimmy Graham appears to be a man on a mission early in training camp, consistently displaying energy, competitiveness and playmaking ability in practice.

Rookie cornerback Jaylon Johnson is ready to compete for the Bears open starting cornerback slot.

The group that wins one-on-one drills between Bears receivers and defensive backs is being rewarded with an authentic WWE championship belt, increasing the energy and competitiveness in practice.

Bears receiver/running back Cordarrelle Patterson has noticed a difference in Mitchell Trubisky this year, telling reporters Tuesday that the quarterback "looks like a whole new player."

Making up for lost time after all offseason practices were cancelled due to COVID-19, quarterback Nick Foles is gradually building a rapport with his new Bears teammates, acknowledging that the process "doesn't happen overnight."

Bears receiver Cordarrelle Patterson discusses his transition to running back.

After an unprecedented offseason due to COVID-19, the Bears' first padded practice of the year Monday at Halas Hall helped defensive tackle Akiem Hicks and his teammates return to their regular routine.

After the Bears conducted their first padded practice Monday, coach Matt Nagy revealed one key criterion in the quarterback competition, where versatile playmaker Cordarrelle Patterson lined up and more.

Filling in for Eddie Goldman, third-year defensive tackle Bilal Nichols impressed at nose tackle in the Bears first padded practice of the season.

Real football returns Monday at Halas Hall when the Bears conduct their first padded practice since the end of last season. It marks the start of a 21-day period during which they can hold a maximum of 14 padded workouts.