The Chicago Bears are about to play their first football game since January. Preparations have begun for a Saturday noon matchup against the Tennessee Titans. It will be an excellent opportunity for the coaching staff to see this young roster facing live bullets. There will also be the next phase of several roster battles to play out. One thing is clear. Plenty of names are already feeling the pressure. Developments in practice have forced them into a position where they must have a good game performance to avoid negative momentum.
Nobody is on the outside looking in yet, but multiple names should be aware of how shaky the ground underneath them is.
These Chicago Bears can’t afford a quiet debut.
WR Velus Jones Jr.
The 3rd round pick from last year established himself as a quality kick returner for the Bears. However, they had higher hopes for him at wide receiver. While he had some nice moments, they were rare. This was supposed to be the year that he took the next step. However, Jones’ chances haven’t improved. If anything, they got worse. This is because the Bears have reinforced the position significantly since November of last year. D.J. Moore and Chase Claypool have looked outstanding in camp. Darnell Mooney is back to full speed as well. That trio will be Justin Fields’ primary targets. Jones seems like the first choice for the #4 spot, but now that’s in danger thanks to the rapid improvement of 4th round rookie Tyler Scott. This game against Tennessee is critical. Jones must show some progress.
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OL Alex Leatherwood
The former 1st round pick had a golden opportunity last year to revive his fledgling career after an ugly exit from Las Vegas. Chicago gave him playing time and a chance to settle in with a new system and better culture. It didn’t go well. His foray at right tackle was inconsistent at best. When the Bears drafted Darnell Wright in the 1st round, that killed any hopes Leatherwood may have had of getting another shot at the job. Now he’s battling for a backup job at guard. Even this is tenuous, with Ja’Tyre Carter and Lucas Patrick looking like the current favorite reserves. If one of the cheaper options on the depth chart plays at a similar level to Leatherwood against Tennessee, that will make the Bears’ decision on him easy.
DT Travis Bell
Being a 7th round pick doesn’t guarantee much regarding a roster spot. The Chicago Bears really like Bell and what he could develop into. The problem is he’s in a crowded position. Andrew Billings, Justin Jones, and Gervon Dexter are already locked for the main roster. Zacch Pickens is likely the same as a 3rd round pick. What isn’t clear is whether the team will carry a fifth. They didn’t last year. If they do, it will likely be between Bell and new addition Bravvion Roy for the final spot. Roy has more experience and is a proven run defender from his days in Carolina. The only way for Bell to change the current trajectory of his landing on the practice squad is to make a statement. He has to produce some standout plays against the Titans.
DE Rasheem Green
The arrival of Yannick Ngakoue has changed the formula at defensive end for the Bears. He and DeMarcus Walker are now set as the starters. Trevis Gipson figures to remain for another year. Dominique Robinson was drafted last season and appeared to have really improved during camp. Presuming those two stay also puts Green in an awkward spot. While he hasn’t been bad in practices thus far, others have stood out more. Veteran Terrell Lewis has had lots of pass rush success since arriving from Los Angeles. Then there is undrafted rookie D’Anthony Jones who has flashed plenty as well. Green is a better run defender than both, so he might have a slight edge. However, that may not be enough to keep his spot if either of them delivers in the preseason. He can’t afford to stay quiet.
CB Terell Smith
Probably the best battle of training camp has occurred between rookie cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith. Both have traded big plays in practice. As things stand, it feels like Stevenson is the current favorite to win the starting job opposite Jaylon Johnson. Part of that is his higher draft status, and another is how good he’s looked. Smith isn’t out of the running yet. He’ll get lots of playing time against the Titans, and their quarterbacks are known for being generous with the football. A timely interception could put him right back in the conversation. Bears coaches seem more than willing to leave the door open. They wanted competition. It’s up to him to seize it.
