The Chicago Bears were back for the sixth practice of training camp on Tuesday, which marked the second padded workout of the summer.
The Bears kicked things up a notch on Day 6, where they had several live periods. There was plenty of physicality and intensity on display, which even led to the first scuffle of training camp between two rookies. Overall, it was a win for the defense and the offense had its share of struggles. There was some good injury news as running back Kyle Monangai returned to team drills as he overcomes a soft tissue injury. There were also some notable developments in several position battles.
Here's what we learned from the second padded practice of training camp:
Rough showing for offense
The Bears passing game continues to show promise heading
into the season, and wide receiver Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland "continued their strong camp today," per Bear Report. But, overall, it was a rough showing for the offense. According to Dan Wiederer, this looked like the "sloppiest offensive showing of camp to date. Easily." Wiederer noted that there were a number of struggles, including: "Pre-snap penalties. Misfired passes. Dropped balls. Rickety screen plays. QB1's feet getting tangled coming out from center." On top of that, quarterback Caleb Williams was intercepted by cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. It appeared to be a miscommunication between Williams and tight end Colston Loveland. Greg Braggs added that the "defense looks a step ahead" and the offense "has looked off more than the other practices." He noted it was timing and energy seemed low, especially with live periods. The offense also fell short during the two-minute drill, where quarterback Caleb Williams and Burden were unable to connect on fourth down in the end zone.
Heavy focus on the run game, 13 personnel
Tuesday's padded practice featured heavy focus on the run game and 13 personnel, both of which will be key to Ben Johnson's offense being successful. Before practice, defensive coordinator made it clear there would be a heavy focus on 13 personnel, and Courtney Cronin noted that it was "clear the emphasis is gonna be running out of 13." According to Bear Report, they "went more run heavy today, by design. The run game should be strong once again. Working a lot of run concepts with the 12 and 13 personnel." They also noted that Chicago was mixing in receivers when they went 13 personnel.
First scuffle of training camp
The Bears amped up the intensity during Tuesday's padded practice, which featured several live periods and brought out the emotions. So it's not surprise that the first scuffle of the summer broke out, featuring a pair of notable rookies. According to Sean Hammond, sixth-round rookie defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg slammed undrafted rookie offensive lineman Caden Barnett into the ground after a snap with the third-team units. It was the first time tempers have flared at Halas Hall this summer. Patrick Finley added that defensive end Montez Sweat "appeared very excited." In fact, the whole defense was "fired up," according to Greg Braggs.
Left tackle, long snapper battle updates
The left tackle battle continues on, but it looks like Braxton Jones is the clear front runner. For the second straight day in pads, Jones was working with the first-team offense as Jedrick Wills Jr. worked with the second team and Kiran Amegadjie with the third team. According to Michal Dwojak, Jones "looked good for the most part." It's worth noting that Jones did start training camp working with the starters for the first two practices, so it'll be interesting to see if Wills or Amegadjie work with the 1s on Wednesday. One of the quieter position battles is at long snapper with first-year pro Luke Elkin and undrafted rookie Beau Gardner. According to Bear Report, the team continues to rotate long snappers on every field goal attempt, and that's expected to continue for some time. Meanwhile, it was Cam Lewis working at safety alongside rookie Dillon Thieneman after Coby Bryant's knee injury and Jaylon Jones working at nickel.
Dayo Odeyingbo worked inside
The Bears are banking on returning veterans to bolster the defensive line performance, including Dayo Odeyingbo, who signed a three-year, $48 million contract last offseason. Odeyingbo missed the second half of the season with a torn Achilles, but he's going to be key to the defensive line's success. With Montez Sweat and Austin Booker starting off the edge, Chicago has been experimenting with where Odeyingbo has been lining up. According to Bear Report, Odeyingbo continues to line up inside during training camp. "Saw it again today. It's been all pass rush situations." Odeyingbo also picked off backup quarterback Tyson Bagent on a batted ball in the air, according to Zack Pearson. The Bears are expecting big things from Odeyingbo in 2026, and he's putting in the work.
Salvon Ahmed continues to flash
Kyle Monangai returned to team drills during Tuesday's padded practice after missing three practices last week as he deals with a soft tissue injury. But he was full-go in what was the most physical practice of the summer so far. Still, veteran Salvon Ahmed, who saw extended opportunities with Monangai sidelined, continued to shine. According to Mark Carman, Ahmed "flashed again" and he's emerging as an "intriguing running back option." Chris Emma said Ahmed is "making an impression for the Bears. He’s healthy and showing off some speed in camp." Sam Householder noted Ahmed has "some wheels," which should make him one of the players to watch during the preseason.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 6 takeaways from second padded practice of Chicago Bears training camp
