The Chicago Bears returned to Halas Hall for their second day of practice following the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. With a day off scheduled for Monday, it’s evident that the team could use the break.
**Offensive Line Woes**
The Bears’ offensive line faced significant challenges on Sunday, with a notable shift in personnel. The initial lineup of Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Ryan Bates, Nate Davis, and Matt Pryor was disrupted when Jenkins and Davis left the practice. Jenkins exited with a trainer and did not return, while Davis, who was sidelined since July 27 with a strain, was seen warming up on the sidelines.
As a result, the Bears’ offensive line saw a mix of Pryor, Jerome Carvin, Bates, Jones, and Bill Murray. The group struggled, particularly during two-minute drills, where the offense faltered with a sack and a fumbled snap. Head coach Matt Eberflus was forced to reset the drill, and the offense faced more setbacks with a sack and a pass breakup from TJ Edwards.
**Injury Concerns**
The main concern remains the injuries to Davis and Jenkins. With Jenkins not returning and Davis still recovering, there are questions about the team’s depth and adjustments moving forward. The Bears have three weeks of preseason games to refine their approach.
**Kickoff Rule Experimentation**
The Bears and Texans tested the NFL’s new kickoff rules during the Hall of Fame Game. Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower noted the rapid pace and emphasized the importance of angles and body types. Tyler Scott and John Jackson handled the kickoff returns, averaging 24.8 yards per return. Hightower acknowledged the simplicity of their game plan and hinted at more strategic approaches in the regular season.
**Defensive Highlights**
Despite offensive line issues, the Bears’ defense had standout performances. Terell Smith, a second-year player, excelled in coverage with several pass break-ups. Caleb Williams also showed promise during the 7-on-7 drills, though his performance was hampered by the offensive line’s struggles.
**Injury Report**
A number of players, including Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon, Andrew Billings, Montez Sweat, and Darnell Wright, were absent from practice. Davis and Jenkins participated early but did not return to the field.
