The Chicago Bears held their first padded practice today, which should be a joyous occasion, but the injury to starting safety Coby Bryant is a dark cloud hanging over everything. While there was no official word from the team, a couple of players chimed in post-practice, and we’ll share more information once we have it. With Bryant out, Cam Lewis replaced him with the ones.
Speaking of the ones, Braxton Jones was back with the starters at left tackle, and CHGO’s Adam Jahns said he “did well in 1-on-1
drills. “
“The Luther Burden hype is real. He had a few tough catches down the sideline today and is the clear frontrunner to be WR1,” per the Bear Report. Also, “Sam Roush will play a much bigger factor as a pass catcher than originally expected.”
“Zavion Thomas continues to impress,” shared Clay Harbor. “Beat Terell Smith for a TD in 1-on-1s, made several catches, and is looking like much more than just a gadget player.” He also said left tackle Braxton Jones had a “solid practice, “Jedrick Wills Jr. had a “good day,” but Kiran Amegadjie did not.
“Jahdae Walker with a nice catch across the middle with a defender draped on him,” wrote CHGO’s Greg Braggs. “Caleb stuck it in there for a nice rep in 7 on 7s.”
The 79th & Halas Podcast noted during the second series on 11 on 11 that it was “12 personnel heavy with a lot of play action,” and the “Defense wins this one with a notable PBU by Devin Bush and good play recognition from [rookie safety Dillon] Thieneman.”
“Catch of the day candidate? One-handed grab by S Gervarrius Owens on a poorly thrown ball by Miller Moss. Great snag,” per Brad Biggs.
I love that there’s some real Bears football news for all of us to digest, but I don’t get too worked up over the highs or lows of training camp. I’ve always treated these summer practices like how I enjoy summer movies. Think of these training camp recaps like Masters of the Universe. You know exactly what it is going in. There’ll be swords, and fighting, and magic, and some campy fun. Nothing too thought-provoking as I enjoy my popcorn.
A practice recap isn’t a cinematic journey like The Odyssey. There’ll be no detailed breakdown of pass protection, route combinations, robber coverages, or specific whys detailing what exactly went wrong on that on the fourth 7-on-7 rep from the ones.
I know the pads were on today, so that’s super exciting, but here’s another reminder that we’re just talking ’bout practice.
A few other nuggets from the day.
ICYMI, running back Kyle Mongai, who missed time last week from an injury, was back today. (link)
Reserve cornerback Terell Smith left the field with trainers. (link)
Linebacker Jack Sanborn, who left the field on Saturday, was back today. (link)
Caleb Williams got on his teammates after a couple of miscues. (link/link)
Nickelback Kyler Gordon is still on the PUP, so Jaylon Jones had the reps with the ones, especially with Cam Lewis focused on safety.
Based on early comments from players and coaches and from head coach Ben Johnson earlier today, center Garrett Bradbury appears to have the starting gig locked up, with Ben saying they’re “cooking” with him. Which shouldn’t be a surprise, given how much Ben values experience in that position. “He’s extremely impressive,” Johnson said while pointing out his exceptional communication skills.
And a few videos from the day.
