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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Caleb Williams continues to impress throughout camp and the preseason. He didn’t play in the final preseason game as he prepares for Week 1, but the coaches are confident in his ability to lead. Tyson Bagent has quietly put together a great offseason. The undrafted second-year quarterback looked decent in stretches last year but has improved this summer, locking in the backup role. Among all quarterbacks, Bagent’s 89.2 offensive grade on PFF ranks third behind only Trevor Lawrence and Jordan Love. His tenacity during gameplay is impossible to ignore. Brett Rypien will likely be their No. 3 quarterback.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune projects D’Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer, and Khari Blasingame making the initial 53-man roster. ESPN’s Courtney Cronin agrees, which makes the Velus Jones conversion to running back feel more like a preseason aside than something tangible. But they could both be wrong as The Athletic believes Jones did enough for a roster spot. The converted receiver did his part in the preseason finale with 13 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Despite reports that Keenan Allen was washed up and out of shape, he had a strong finish to camp. He and Williams built a connection, particularly in red-zone drills. DJ Moore and Rome Odunze are making spectacular plays almost daily. This team’s wide receiver trio is their biggest strength. Tyler Scott appears next in line as the presumed No. 4 receiver. With Velus Jones Jr. mostly playing running back this year, we’ll have to wait to see how the Bears handle his positional designation. Dante Pettis has had a strong camp and preseason. He’s also been working with the special teams’ units and could be a surprising name to make the final roster. DeAndre Carter has also been getting work with the special teams’ units. Pettis appears to have a slight edge over him, but the battle for primary punt returner is still ongoing. Nsimba Webster surprisingly had 68 receiving yards against the Chiefs, but he was injured, and it will end his season.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Cole Kmet has had a quiet camp—no good or bad news. Expect Gerald Everett to be a part of the passing game. Marcedes Lewis is projected to make the roster, but he's essentially a sixth lineman at this point in his career.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Kyler Gordon is building off a successful rookie season, setting the tone in joint practices and preseason games as a hard hitter. He has been a turnover machine. Jaquan Brisker missed most of camp with an injury but returned to practice this week. Kevin Byard is currently dealing with a minor injury but is expected back soon. Austin Booker is a fifth-round rookie edge rusher the Bears traded up for. He’s looked good in preseason action and has already secured commendations from many teammates. He has seemingly improved every week of camp. Expect him to be a regular part of the pass rush in 2024.
Preseason Updates: Returners
The Bears have spoken recently about allowing rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze to return punts this year, but they already have one of the league’s better punt returners in DeAndre Carter. If he isn't a late cut, Velus Jones Jr. will return kickoffs.
Updates from Week 3
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Caleb Williams has been the major storyline from camp and preseason games, quickly taking on the role of the team’s leader. He regularly makes spectacular throws that few other quarterbacks can match. However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Williams has thrown some interceptions, and his tendency to hold the ball too long, a habit from his college days, occasionally surfaces in practice. But the coaching staff has praised his steady improvement. During Friday’s joint practice with the Bengals, Williams started the day with an interception but quickly regained his composure, finding a rhythm and finishing with a string of solid reps. In Saturday’s preseason game, Williams made a phenomenal deep throw to Rome Odunze on the run, followed by an even more impressive missile to Odunze in the back of the end zone (though Odunze’s feet were unfortunately out of bounds). Williams then capped the drive with a rushing touchdown. Although his preseason playtime has been limited, the glimpses we’ve seen have been fantastic. Tyson Bagent remains the team’s No. 2 quarterback.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
D’Andre Swift continues to make eye-popping catches every day. Roschon Johnson has been generating some buzz in camp, while Khalil Herbert has been quieter. However, Herbert got touches ahead of Johnson for the second consecutive preseason game. Rumors continue to swirl about a potential trade involving Herbert, especially with the emergence of Ian Wheeler and Velus Jones Jr, which makes a move more likely. Wheeler has been getting extra attention with some big breakaway plays in practice. Meanwhile, Jones is taking most of his reps with the running backs and on special teams. Jones is big and athletic and could find a career resurgence in this role, giving him the best opportunity to make the team.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
D.J. Moore was paid to be the team’s No. 1 receiver and is likely entrenched in that role. However, Rome Odunze’s drumbeat is getting louder. Odunze and Caleb Williams continue to display a strong rapport on and off the field. Deciphering who will be the “No. 2 receiver” and “No. 3 receiver” is a loaded conversation, but Odunze has been getting much more buzz in camp than veteran Keenan Allen. With Odunze a part of the team’s long-term plans, don’t be surprised to see him edge out Allen in two-receiver sets. The team has worked to creatively get the ball into Odunze’s hands, including a drive-opening end-around on Saturday. Dante Pettis is a name that keeps popping up this offseason. With a ton of ambiguity behind the top three receivers, the former second-rounder could easily make the team as a rotational receiver. Tyler Scott will likely make the team as well, providing depth in the position.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Cole Kmet started a podcast. D.J. Moore joined as a guest, and they both gushed over Williams’ leadership and confidence. Kmet remains No. 1 on the depth chart. In Saturday’s preseason game, he handily out-snapped Gerald Everett. Kmet has had a very strong camp and appears to be widening the gap between himself and Everett despite early camp reports that Everett would be heavily involved.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Despite a week of poor weather, the defense was the highlight of joint practices with the Bengals, not allowing any big plays. They also accounted for a few interceptions. Montez Sweat, Tyrique Stevenson, and Kyler Gordon returned to practice this week. The team has “no concern” that Sweat won’t be ready to play in Week 1. Jaylon Johnson has looked fantastic. As noted on Hard Knocks, he has yet to give up a reception to Keenan Allen so far. Despite being one of the league’s best cornerbacks last year, reports indicate he looks even better this year.
Preseason Updates: Offensive Lines
This line is led by the tackle duo of left tackle Braxton Jones and right tackle Darnell Wright. Both are assets in the run game, and Wright is on the career path to being very good. Coleman Shelton, a free agent from the Rams, has the lead in the center battle with Ryan Bates (acquired from Buffalo via trade). Bates has been at right guard while Nate Davis recovers (groin). Assuming Davis is ready, this is a mauling group (13th in run blocking) with apparent deficiencies in protecting the passer (31st in pass protection). The Bears rank 23rd overall.
Updates from Week 2
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Caleb Williams is unsurprisingly entrenched as the No. 1 quarterback. His camp has had ups and downs, but the staff is focused on getting him as many reps as possible. His biggest flaw has been a tendency to hold onto the ball too long, a problem he began to exhibit in his final year in college. However, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron noted that Williams is quickly improving. He looked composed in his preseason debut, showcasing his ability to throw with power while on the run. The team believes he is “moving closer to putting it all together.” Tyson Bagent is likely to be the team’s No. 2 quarterback. He has made a few impressive tight window throws in camp. Kerry Joseph injured his neck on a slip n’ slide, suffering minor whiplash.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
D’Andre Swift’s most impressive traits have come in the passing game, where he has shown an exceptional catch radius and breakaway speed in the open field. He has made multiple one-handed catches in camp and demonstrated his elusiveness in the preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills with a 42-yard catch-and-run on an improvisational screen pass from Caleb Williams. Swift is the unquestioned No. 1. The backup spot remains undecided, although some believe that Roschon Johnson has an edge over Khalil Herbert.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
DJ Moore is unchallenged atop the depth chart. Although he hasn’t had the splashiest camp, his leadership is evident, and his role is secure. Rome Odunze continues to build on his impressive start to camp. The rookie appears to be leading the punt return battle against Dante Pettis, Travis Homer, and DeAndre Carter. Keenan Allen has had a relatively quiet camp, his first with an organization other than the Chargers. The 32-year-old was expected to be a safety blanket for Williams, but the quick emergence of Odunze could push Allen down to third in the pecking order. Tyler Scott is getting more reps with the second team. Despite developing well in Year 2, he faces a difficult path given the trio of receivers ahead of him. Velus Jones is taking most of his reps with the running backs. Given his struggles as a pure receiver, this role may suit him better. He is also one of the favorites to handle kickoff returns this season.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Cole Kmet has had a relatively quiet camp but did haul in a big catch on the sidelines from Caleb Williams on a bootleg pass in the preseason outing. Although Kmet has an exciting profile and youth on his side, newly acquired veteran Gerald Everett out-snapped him with the first team against the Bills. Meanwhile, 40-year-old Marcedes Lewis is making a credible push for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The defense has been banged up but continues to outperform the offense. Kyler Gordon missed the full week of practice with "tightness," but the team expects him back soon. Jaylon Johnson has routinely locked up Keenan Allen, not allowing him to get a single reception. Montez Sweat received some veteran rest days this week. Dominique Robinson and Austin Booker both looked good and recorded sacks in his absence, although that could be a product of consistent offensive line struggles.
Preseason Updates: Returners
Rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze is being considered for punt return duties, but the Bears already have one of the league’s better punt returners in DeAndre Carter. Velus Jones Jr., who has been discussed as potentially transitioning from receiver to running back, is expected to continue handling kickoff returns.
Updates from Week 1
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's What You Need To Know From Every Team This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams is working exclusively with the first-team offense. As expected for a rookie, he’s had ups and downs during his first week of practice. His teammates have praised his leadership and communication. Williams' ability to throw on the run is a standout feature, and the coaching staff isn't holding back on utilizing it. Williams wanted to play in the Hall of Fame game, but the coaching staff decided against it. Fan favorite Tyson Bagent appears to be the No. 2, while Brett Rypien is likely the No. 3. Both quarterbacks looked sharp in the preseason outing, though it’s tough to judge against Houston’s third-string defense.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
D’Andre Swift is operating as the team’s lead back. Roschon Johnson got the opening snaps in the Hall of Fame game, possibly indicating he's ahead of Khalil Herbert in the No. 2 competition. Demetric Felton was signed but likely needs an injury or trade to see snaps beyond special teams. Felton was brought in after Travis Homer and Ian Wheeler sustained injuries, so his addition may not be significant.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
DJ Moore was gifted with a contract extension that will presumably keep him in Chicago through 2028. Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze are expected to be the No. 2 and No. 3 receivers behind Moore, but there’s still much ambiguity about their respective roles. Allen said regarding Odunze, “He’s in shape. He can run, he’s physical, he’s big, he’s everything that you’re looking for in a number 1 wide receiver.” It’s worth noting that Odunze has not conceded that he’ll be the team’s third receiver. He has been as good as advertised and has plenty of winning reps against the Bears’ top defenders. Monday’s “play of the day” was an anticipatory throw from Williams to Odunze in the back corner of the end zone. During Monday’s practice, the team focused on their red-zone offense, and Odunze caught “a bunch of TDs.” However, Allen is still expected to be “a key presence for Williams.” Tyler Scott didn’t do much as a rookie, but his name consistently appears in reports. He’s connected on a few deep receptions, which was his calling card in college. While Moore, Allen, and Odunze are locked in as the team’s top three receivers, Scott could find himself some meaningful snaps as the team’s rotational fourth option. However, Collin Johnson is also making some waves. Johnson is a 26-year-old 6’6” receiver who has struggled with injuries during his short NFL career. With most of the team watching from the sidelines during the Hall of Fame game, Johnson operated as the No. 1, catching three of his six targets for 56 yards and two touchdowns. It’ll be a difficult depth chart to climb, but Johnson should make the roster as the No. 5 receiver. Dante Pettis is also still around and has been primarily responsible for punt return duties. Velus Jones is excited about the league’s kickoff duties. Should he make the team, expect him to be relegated almost exclusively to special teams.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Gerald Everett's name is consistently appearing in camp reports. He has followed Shane Waldron, the Bears’ new offensive coordinator, from Los Angeles to Seattle and now to Chicago. Everett is a versatile veteran, and while Cole Kmet is young and exciting, Everett is expected to maintain a significant role. With Kmet already behind three wide receivers in the projected pecking order, a split role with Everett could diminish his fantasy value. Everett and Williams connected for a touchdown during the team’s first padded practice, described as the “best throw of the day.” Everett has continued to receive first-team reps since.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The Bears' defense saw a resurgence last year after a midseason trade for Montez Sweat. This momentum carried into the preseason, with the defense outplaying the offense in the first week of camp. Given the presence of a rookie quarterback and a new offense, this was somewhat expected. Sweat consistently pressured the offense and was asked to sit out after making contact with Williams in consecutive practices. Newly signed Jaylon Johnson excelled in coverage, breaking up several passes. Kevin Byard quickly made an impact and is expected to start at safety in Week 1. Jonathan Owens had an excused absence at the start of camp to support his wife, Simone Biles, at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
