Chicago Bears training camp has taken on a level of importance like never before in 2020. This because minicamps, OTAs, and the preseason have all been canceled. This has forced the coaching staff to concentrate all of their evaluations into practices this month. That means every drill and rep matters a lot. This in turn has made the roster competitions that much more intense.

So where do things stand after the first week of practices? While it’s hard to drum up any drama since fans can’t be around to actually watch the battles take place, the snippets that have come out of Halas Hall still paint some interesting images. Here is an updated list of every noteworthy competition and who is the current leader.

Chicago Bears training camp battle updates

Quarterback: Nick Foles over Mitch Trubisky

Obviously the one everybody cares about. The Bears media has been rather pessimistic regarding Nick Foles vs. Mitch Trubisky through the first week considering neither really stood out. Trubisky seemed to have the early edge though with some strong moments in the first padded practices. However, the momentum seems to have shifted. Foles has won each of the past two practices including a decisive moment on Wednesday that saw him delivering a pretty two-minute drive against the #1 defense for a touchdown. It was the kind of groove coaches had waited to see. Now Trubisky has to respond, and quickly.

Wide receiver: Javon Wims over Riley Ridley

This might be the most exciting competition in the entirety of Bears training camp. Certainly not something people would’ve expected. Javon Wims and Riley Ridley are both on the fringe in terms of their roster spots. They both need a strong camp to keep them. Over the past couple of days, the two have gotten into a classic series of “Can you top this?” moments. Wims would deliver a long catch for a big gain. Then a couple of plays later Ridley would score a touchdown. They’ve fired back and forth at each other and it’s been fun to watch.

Right guard: Germain Ifedi over Rashaad Coward

A lot of people were skeptical about whether the Bears could find an actual solution at right guard to replace Kyle Long. Their options ended up being former Seahawks right tackle Germain Ifedi and Long’s initial replacement last season, Rashaad Coward. While it’s difficult to determine where linemen stand just from practices, it’s becoming apparent that Ifedi looks like the favorite. Offensive line coach Juan Castillo has spoken glowingly about him whenever asked and he’s run with the first-team offense a lot in camp. If that weren’t enough? The Bears shifted Coward back to tackle in practice after Jason Spriggs went down with a knee injury. That pretty much confirms it.

Nose tackle: Bilal Nichols over John Jenkins

This was not a position the Bears expected to have a competition when 2020 began. Eddie Goldman was their unquestioned starter. All that changed when he opted out of the season over COVID-19 fears. That suddenly put nose tackle up for grabs. Most initially though John Jenkins, a longtime veteran of the position was a favorite to take over. It seems that was premature. The Bears decided to shift former 5th round pick, Bilal Nichols, into that spot from defensive end. They felt his lower body strength and leverage could make a good fit. Given the frequent reports from practices, he’s wasted no time making an impact.

Cornerback: Jaylon Johnson over Kevin Toliver

Artie Burns seemed to get the initial look as the first replacement for Prince Amukamara at cornerback. That all changed when he sadly tore his ACL. This left this competition between two men. Amukamara’s former backup Kevin Toliver and rookie 2nd round pick Jaylon Johnson. It seemed like Toliver had a major opportunity since the coaches were bringing Johnson along slowly due to his prior shoulder issues. That doesn’t seem to have helped much. The rookie has started to stand out quite a bit in practice, looking smooth in coverage and grabbing some interceptions too. This battle is closer than others, but it does feel like Johnson has that extra “something.”

Safety: Deon Bush over Tashaun Gipson

If there is a true upset happening in training camp this year, it’s at safety. People assumed when the Chicago Bears signed Tashaun Gipson in free agency that he was the obvious choice to start next to Eddie Jackson. A former Pro Bowler with years of experience? It made sense. However, defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano insisted such an idea was premature. There was a reason Deon Bush was brought back. He feels the former 4th round pick is ready for his shot. Media updates and practice highlights show Bush is more than up to the challenge. Now throw in Gipson dropping out of practice with a lower back problem? This could turn into a fascinating twist.